Telangana’s Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy criticized the Centre for raising the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by Rs 993, demanding an immediate rollback. Reddy expressed concern that the price hike would burden small businesses, street vendors, hotels, restaurants, and the common man. He accused the BJP-led government of strategically timing the price increase right after the West Bengal polling, calling it a form of cheating on the people of India.
The recent price revision, effective from May 1, has elevated the cost of a 19-kg commercial cylinder to over Rs 3,000 in major cities, significantly higher than the previous price of around Rs 2,000. Oil marketing companies attribute this hike to escalating global energy prices due to tensions in West Asia, marking the third consecutive monthly increase. Reddy highlighted that this substantial hike of nearly 30-35% would lead to an immediate increase in food prices on the streets, impacting the common man significantly.
Commercial LPG cylinders are extensively used by hotels, cafes, restaurants, small businesses, and street vendors. Reddy emphasized the unfortunate situation where the cost of these cylinders has surged to over Rs 3,000 in most cities, up from the previous price of around Rs 2,000. He strongly criticized the move, stating that the Congress had consistently cautioned against such policies and urged for an immediate rollback to shield small traders and the public from the inflationary effects.
