Congress Criticizes Government Over Sharp Increase in Commercial LPG Prices

Congress on Friday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the sharp increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices, alleging a pattern of price hikes and accusing the government of burdening small businesses. The criticism came after the Centre raised the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder by Rs 993, taking the cost in Delhi to Rs 3,071.50, while leaving domestic LPG prices unchanged.

In a post on X, the Congress termed the prime minister “Inflation Man Modi” and detailed the cumulative rise in commercial LPG prices over recent months. The party said, " ‘Inflation Man Modi’ has cracked the whip again. Today, the commercial cylinder has gone up by 993 rupees. Modi has hiked the price of the commercial cylinder like this in the last 4 months: 1 May: Rs 993; 1 April: Rs 218; 7 March: Rs 115; 1 March: Rs 31; 1 February: Rs 50; 1 January: Rs 111. Total: Rs 1,518. Yes indeed, the commercial cylinder has become 1,518 rupees more expensive in just 4 months. There are still 8 months left in the year. Modi’s extortion continues..."

Congress MP Manickam Tagore also criticised the timing of the hike, linking it to the conclusion of polling in parts of the country. In a post on X, Tagore wrote, "Voted on April 29. Price hike on May 1. Commercial LPG cylinder hiked by Rs 990 -- the very next day after polling ends. Before elections: silence." He added, "After elections: Rs 990 jump on 19kg commercial cylinder. Small restaurants, tea shops & vendors will now raise prices. But Adani's empire keeps growing. This is not a coincidence. This is a pattern," suggesting that the increase would have a cascading effect on small businesses and consumers.

According to officials, the revision applies only to commercial LPG cylinders and bulk categories. Prices of domestic LPG cylinders of 14.2 kg, used by around 33 crore households, remain unchanged. The 5 kg free trade LPG cylinder has also been increased by Rs 261 per unit. Oil marketing companies said the move reflects global energy trends and reiterated that domestic consumers have been insulated from price volatility.

In a statement, Indian Oil Corporation said, "No change in prices of domestic LPG (14.2 kg) for 33 crore domestic LPG consumers. No change in ATF prices for domestic airlines (scheduled operations)." The company added, "Overall, approximately 80% of petroleum products have witnessed no change in prices, ensuring stability for the majority of consumers. Prices of Bulk and commercial LPG cylinders (less than 1% of total consumption) have been revised. Prices of Bulk Diesel and ATF for international airline operations have been adjusted upward. At the same time, around 4% of petroleum products have seen a downward revision, reflecting the dynamic nature of global price movements."

The hike comes amid volatile global crude oil prices driven by geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Brent crude recently surged to around $126 per barrel before easing to about $113, impacting import-dependent energy markets like India. Since India relies heavily on imports for LPG, prices of commercial and non-subsidised cylinders are linked to international benchmarks and are revised periodically. Officials said the latest revision is part of a calibrated approach to align domestic pricing with global trends while shielding household consumers.