The Trinamool Congress Party’s (TMC) Goa unit has made a strong appeal to reduce the price of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) cylinders to Rs 500, almost half of the current price, as a way to relieve the financial stress on common people. This demand adds another layer to the already heated conversation on the impact of rising commodity prices in India.
The party’s state unit general secretary, Rakhi Prabhudesai Naik, stated that the Central Government’s recent decision to cut LPG prices by Rs 200 per cylinder was merely a “knee-jerk reaction” to the growing strength of the opposition alliance. The price in Goa had previously stood at Rs 1,125 per cylinder but has been reduced to Rs 917 following the government’s announcement.
The call for reduced LPG prices comes on the heels of a broader national debate. Earlier this week, the Union government reduced the prices of domestic cooking gas by Rs 200 to counter inflation and to respond to promises of cheaper LPG by the Congress party, especially in light of upcoming assembly elections.
“TMC Goa demands that the prices of LPG cylinder be brought down to Rs 500 to give relief to common people,” said Naik. She also criticized the BJP-led government in Goa, saying that it has only partially fulfilled its promise made during the 2022 state assembly elections to provide three free LPG cylinders to consumers below the poverty line. Naik argues that this benefit should be extended to all consumers, not just those below the poverty line.
While the government has taken some measures to lessen the burden of rising LPG prices on consumers, critics argue that these measures are not sufficient. LPG is a critical commodity used for cooking in millions of Indian households. Any price increase or inadequate price reduction has a direct impact on household budgets and, by extension, on the standard of living for average citizens.