07 June,2026 01:56 PM IST | Kolhapur | mid-day online correspondent
Sharad Pawar. File Pic
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday criticised the Centre over the latest increase in domestic LPG prices, alleging that rising inflation and repeated hikes in essential commodities were placing a growing burden on citizens and could have political consequences for the government.
Pawar's remarks came after the price of domestic cooking gas cylinders was increased by Rs 29, marking the second hike in the last three months amid elevated global energy costs.
Speaking to reporters in Kolhapur, the veteran politician questioned the government's assertion that inflation was under control.
According to Pawar, people across the country continue to face financial pressure due to rising prices of essential goods and services. He argued that repeated increases in household expenses are affecting family budgets and creating difficulties for ordinary citizens.
Referring to the government's position on inflation, Pawar remarked that controlling prices should not mean imposing recurring financial burdens on consumers through incremental increases in essential commodities.
He also suggested that those responsible for the rising cost of living could face political repercussions in the future.
The latest increase of Rs 29 per domestic LPG cylinder follows a Rs 60 hike announced on March 7.
The earlier revision came after escalating tensions and conflict in West Asia affected global energy markets, contributing to higher international fuel prices. State-owned oil marketing companies have cited elevated global energy costs as one of the reasons behind recent revisions in domestic fuel and LPG prices.
The successive increases have triggered criticism from opposition parties, which argue that rising fuel and cooking gas prices are adding to inflationary pressures.
Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also criticised the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the state over the latest LPG price hike.
In a statement, Wadettiwar alleged that BJP leaders had actively protested increases in cooking gas prices when they were in the opposition but were no longer displaying the same level of concern after coming to power.
He claimed that repeated increases in LPG and fuel prices were affecting households across income groups, particularly middle-class and economically weaker families.
Wadettiwar pointed out that commercial LPG cylinder prices have witnessed substantial increases in recent months. He also referred to periodic revisions in petrol, diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) prices over the years.
According to the Congress leader, rising fuel costs have a cascading effect on transportation, household expenditure and the prices of essential goods, thereby increasing the overall burden on consumers.
The latest LPG price hike has once again become a political issue, with opposition parties using it to question the government's handling of inflation and the rising cost of living.
Opposition leaders contend that inflation continues to affect household finances despite official assurances that price pressures are being managed. They argue that increases in cooking gas and fuel prices have a direct impact on millions of families across the country.
While opposition parties have criticised the price revisions, oil marketing companies have linked the increases to fluctuations in international energy markets and higher import costs.
Global crude oil prices and geopolitical developments, particularly in energy-producing regions, continue to influence domestic fuel pricing decisions in India.
The debate over fuel prices and inflation is expected to remain a key political issue as opposition parties intensify their criticism of the Centre over the rising cost of living and its impact on consumers.
(With inputs from PTI)
