02 November,2026 12:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday criticised the Centre over the latest increases in compressed natural gas (CNG) and commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices, calling them a "cruel Diwali gift" to citizens already facing inflation and financial hardship.
In an editorial published in the party mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction accused the government of adding to the financial burden on ordinary households and farmers amid drought conditions in Maharashtra.
The editorial questioned the timing of the price increases, arguing that they would affect household budgets and raise the cost of goods and services during the festive season.
The editorial highlighted the difficulties faced by farmers and residents across Maharashtra, alleging that drought conditions had left many families struggling to meet their basic expenses.
"Almost the entire state of Maharashtra is scorched by a severe drought. Farmers have no crops in their fields, and common citizens have no money left in their pockets. People were holding onto their modest savings, hoping to bring a little sweetness into their children's lives during Diwali. However, the government's hike in CNG and Commercial LPG rates has poured cold water over those last remaining hopes," claimed the editorial.
It also questioned whether the government's decisions would prevent people from celebrating the festival.
The editorial asked, "Do the rulers want the public to refrain from celebrating Diwali altogether this year?"
The party pointed to the latest revisions in fuel prices across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), saying they would add to the expenses of households and businesses.
"In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), CNG prices have been increased by Re 1 per kg -- marking the 6th price hike in the last 6 months alone. Commercial LPG cylinder prices have been raised by Rs 10," it said.
The CNG increase took effect from November 1, with the revised rate in Mumbai and adjoining areas reaching Rs 90 per kg.
The editorial argued that higher commercial LPG prices could also affect consumers who do not directly purchase commercial cylinders.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) also criticised the government's decision to keep domestic LPG cylinder prices unchanged while increasing commercial rates.
The editorial argued that commercial gas price increases could raise operating costs for hotels, restaurants and other food businesses, potentially making meals and festive purchases more expensive for consumers.
It cited the cost of dining out, restaurant meals and ready-made Diwali snacks and sweets as examples of expenses that could be affected.
The party also recalled an earlier increase of Rs 1,000 in commercial LPG cylinder prices in May, alleging that subsequent reductions had provided little lasting relief.
The editorial described the latest increase as another setback for consumers already dealing with rising household expenses.
The editorial linked the financial pressure on households to rising food prices, drought conditions and the conflict involving Iran and the United States.
"Driven by drought conditions and the Iran-America conflict, food inflation has hit a staggering 7.74 per cent. Prices of daily staples, pulses, and grains have escalated to the point where they feel like luxury items. The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) decision to raise the repo rate has pushed up interest rates, leading to higher EMIs across all personal loans and mortgages," remarked the editorial.
The food inflation figure of 7.74 per cent corresponds to the provisional year-on-year rate for September 2026 released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The Reserve Bank of India raised the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50 per cent in October.
The party also alleged that fuel prices had been kept artificially low ahead of elections in five states and increased after the polls concluded.
"Fuel and commodity prices were artificially held back for political self-interest until elections in five states concluded. Now, the 'horse of inflation' has broken loose. Rulers who boasted about reining in fuel prices despite global Gulf War tensions have turned completely unbridled regarding inflation post-elections. While the Prime Minister urges citizens to practice austerity, the government creates a system that leaves no money in the public's pockets," it alleged.
