Residents irked as hike in LPG prices burns hole in pockets

Residents irked as hike in LPG prices burns hole in pockets

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai: 17.12.2020

Hike in LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinder prices has created discontent among residents as they now have to shell out ₹100 more for a cylinder than what they paid a fortnight ago.

A 14.2kg domestic gas cylinder now costs ₹710 in Chennai, which was ₹610 before the beginning of this month. With several people managing with limited resources during the pandemic, the hike could not have come at a bad time, say residents.

“Only on December 3, there was an increase of ₹50. Not even 11 days have passed, again an increase of ₹50. It is atrocious in the pandemic situation,” said V Latha of Adambakkam, a housewife.

The income of many middle class families is limping back to normal. In such a situation the Central government should have suspended the automatic increase of prices by oil companies based on international rates, said V Rama Rao, secretary of People Awareness Association.

Many residents pointed out that even during the UPA-2, the price had not exceeded ₹400 and demanded that the government supply 12 LPG cylinders per annum to a household and scrap the DBT (direct benefit transfer) scheme.

DMK leader M K Stalin and DMDK’s Vijayakanth condemned the rise in LPG prices. “When public are reeling under the pandemic, the government’s moves are not helpful. LPG prices should be rolled back or else, the government cannot escape the wrath of the voters,” Stalin tweeted.

Vijayakanth said several small businesses like tea shops and eateries were shut during the lockdown and people are limping back to normalcy. “At such a time, the double price rise is condemnable. The Central government should take steps to roll back prices,” Vijayakanth said in a statement.