The Communist Party of India (CPI) has strongly criticized the government over the recent hike in LPG prices, accusing it of an anti-people stance. The party has demanded an immediate withdrawal of the price hike, citing its impact on the poor and middle-class consumers.
The CPI Politburo expressed strong opposition to the price increase, which affects both domestic and commercial consumers. The party noted that the ₹60 hike for domestic cylinders will heavily impact poor beneficiaries of the Ujjwala scheme, while the ₹114.50 hike for commercial cylinders will ultimately be passed on to consumers.
The CPI dismissed the government's reference to the West Asian conflict as a justification for the hike, calling it a hypocritical attempt to hide its own responsibility. The party alleged that the government's decision reflects its capitulation before the war-mongering policies of the Trump administration and its readiness to serve US global hegemonic interests.
Domestic LPG prices were increased by ₹60 per cylinder on Saturday, making it the second such hike in rate in less than a year. The non-subsidised 14.2-kg LPG cylinder in Delhi now costs ₹913, up from ₹853, according to the Indian Oil Corporation. Over 10 crore Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries will also face the same increase, paying ₹613 per cylinder, factoring in the ₹300 subsidy provided for up to 12 refills annually.
