Congress takes a dig at BJP after hike in LPG prices, calls it New Year gift

Congress took a dig at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government after the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) hiked the prices of commercial gas cylinders on the first day of the New Year. The price of 19 kg commercial cooking gas has increased by Rs 25 across the country.

Taking to Twitter, the Congress said, The first gift of the new year, the commercial cooking gas cylinder is now Rs 25 dearer. This is just the beginning.

The hike in 19-kg cylinders means a hike in the cost of food from restaurants, hotels and even many tea stalls.

Price of commercial gas cylinders in top cities

Delhi – Rs 1,769 per cylinder
Mumbai – Rs 1,721 per cylinder
Kolkata – Rs 1,870 per cylinder
Chennai – Rs 1,917 per cylinder

The rates of domestic cylinders remain unchanged for quite some time now and continue to sell at their existing prices.

Price of domestic cylinders in top cities

Delhi – Rs 1,053 per cylinder
Mumbai – Rs 1,052.5 per cylinder
Kolkata – Rs 1,079 per cylinder
Chennai – Rs 1,068.5 per cylinder

In the last couple of years, the cost of cooking gas has increased significantly across the nation, impacting household budget and drawing harsh criticism from the opposition.

Since the BJP government took office in 2014, the price for domestic consumers has increased from Rs 410 to over Rs 1,000. When questioned about the increase in fuel prices, the government cited the hike in crude oil prices. The opposition is now arguing about the hike in fuel prices even after the international rates have dropped.