The Udupi district committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly condemned the steep increase in prices of commercial LPG cylinders and 5kg cylinders, stating that it imposes a heavy burden on consumers. The party has demanded an immediate rollback of the price increase and called upon its units across the country to organize protests against the decision.
Impact on Consumers and Businesses
The committee said the nearly Rs 1,000 increase for commercial cylinders is unprecedented and will lead to a sharp rise in the cost of other goods as well. Commercial establishments are likely to pass on the additional burden to consumers, further fueling inflation. Many small businesses may be forced to shut down, worsening layoffs and causing significant job losses. While the 14kg domestic cylinders have been spared for now, the price of non-subsidized 5kg cylinders has sharply increased by Rs 261. This hike is expected to severely impact small households and migrant workers who rely on 5kg cylinders due to their inability to afford the larger ones.
Rising Costs and Migrant Workers
The price hike comes at a time when the cost of essential commodities is already rising. Shortage and high prices of LPG cylinders have forced migrant workers to return to their native places. With this latest increase, more people may be compelled to do so. The government could have provided relief to the common people by reducing taxes on cylinders, but its refusal reflects an anti-poor stance, said CPM district secretary Suresh Kallagara.
MLC Ivan D'Souza Criticizes Government
MLC Ivan D'Souza strongly criticized the recent hike in LPG cylinder prices and accused the BJP-led central government of placing an additional burden on the public. He alleged that the timing of the price hike, soon after elections, reveals the BJP's true face. According to him, prices were deliberately kept stable during the election to secure votes and raised immediately afterward, which he termed betraying the people. The hike would impact the poor and working class, who are already struggling with rising living costs, he added.
