LPG Price Hike Sparks Rush at Guwahati Gas Agencies, Residents Decry Impact
Chaotic scenes unfolded outside gas agencies in Guwahati on Saturday morning as the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, both domestic and commercial, were unexpectedly increased. The sudden hike triggered a rush among residents and business owners scrambling to secure cylinders before further price escalations.
Residents Voice Frustration Over Household Budget Strain
Local residents strongly criticized the price increase, stating it would place additional pressure on household budgets already stretched thin by the rising cost of living. Many lamented that the hike, occurring amid ongoing conflicts in West Asia, would directly impact daily expenses, particularly affecting middle and lower-income families who rely heavily on LPG for cooking.
Rajkumar Gogoi, a resident of Dispur Last Gate, expressed his frustration: "Cooking gas is an essential commodity in every household, and this price rise immediately affects our monthly budget. In my home, we use approximately two 14.2 kg cylinders per month. I had booked one for Rs 902, but when I rechecked this morning, the price had jumped to Rs 962. This is total harassment for ordinary people."
Restaurant Owners Fear Business Impact
Meanwhile, restaurant proprietors who depend on commercial LPG cylinders for their daily operations voiced concerns that the price hike could negatively impact their businesses. They explained that while operational costs keep rising, they cannot easily increase food prices without risking their customer base.
Sarfaraz Haque, a restaurant owner, detailed the dilemma: "The burden ultimately falls on us business owners. Our country has a price-sensitive market. While people might pay extra for luxury items, in the culinary industry—especially at the street level—price plays a major role. If we increase food prices in line with inflation, it could hurt our business and hinder growth."
Historical Context and Previous Increases
It's important to note that this isn't the first LPG price increase in recent times. The price of cylinders had previously risen by Rs 50 last year during April, crossing the Rs 900 threshold for the first time. This latest hike represents a continuation of the upward trend in fuel costs that has been affecting consumers across the region.
Non-Profit Organizations Face Operational Challenges
The price increase also poses significant challenges for charitable organizations operating in the city. Bhrigu Borthakur, who runs an NGO in Guwahati, explained how the hike would affect their operations: "The cost of consumable items is already very high, and gas is a basic necessity for us. One cylinder hardly lasts two days since I run a children's home along with a feeding initiative. With this price hike, our cost per plate will also increase. We use nearly 15 to 20 commercial cylinders per month."
Political Implications in Election Season
In Assam, with state elections approaching, many observers suggest this move could create political problems for candidates from the ruling party. Rising fuel prices often become a sensitive electoral issue, particularly for voters already grappling with increasing living costs. The timing of this price hike during election season adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging economic situation for many residents.
The situation in Guwahati reflects broader concerns about inflation and living costs affecting communities across the region, with LPG prices serving as a particularly visible indicator of economic pressures on households and businesses alike.
