Opposition corners Centre as domestic LPG cylinder prices climb by Rs 29

The latest hike in cooking gas costs has triggered a sharp political backlash, with critics questioning the government's ability to protect households from global energy volatility.

The domestic kitchen budget has come under renewed strain this week as the price of a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder was hiked by Rs 29, pushing the cost in Delhi to Rs 942. This upward revision marks the second time in three months that households have faced an increase, following a Rs 60 hike implemented in March. As the Modi government grapples with the fallout of rising global energy costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the opposition has moved quickly to frame the issue as a failure of economic management.

A political firestorm over inflation

Opposition parties have united in their criticism, targeting the Centre for the compounding impact of fuel price hikes. Beyond the LPG increase, consumers are already navigating a cumulative rise of Rs 7.5 per litre in petrol and diesel prices since mid-May, alongside a Rs 6 per kg jump in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) rates. The Congress party, reviving its "Inflation Man Modi" critique, alleged that the government’s policies are designed to extract wealth from the public to benefit a select few.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) took a sharper ideological jab, questioning the ruling party's projection of India as a "Vishwaguru" on the global stage. The party argued that a government claiming such international stature should be capable of shielding its own citizens from repeated price shocks. In a statement, the TMC asserted that while global crises are inevitable, the burden is being disproportionately passed onto ordinary families, effectively undermining household stability.

Mounting pressure on the household budget

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) echoed these concerns, emphasizing the cumulative stress on the common man. By highlighting the two-fold increase within a single quarter, the party characterized the government's approach as dismissive of the struggles faced by the average citizen. With inflation already impacting the cost of essential goods, the latest hike is being framed by critics as a tipping point for families struggling to balance their monthly expenditures.

The timing of this price movement is particularly sensitive. As international energy markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions, the domestic economy continues to feel the ripple effects. Economists note that while global commodity prices dictate import costs, the political optics of persistent fuel inflation pose a significant challenge for the government, which is now facing intense scrutiny over its inability to insulate the domestic market from these external shocks. As the debate continues, the opposition shows no signs of relenting in its demand for immediate relief for the public.