LPG Price Cut: A Relief or a Political Move?

In a significant announcement on International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a reduction of Rs. 100 in the price of domestic LPG cylinders. This decision was aimed at making cooking gas more affordable for households across the nation and promoting the well-being of families. The Prime Minister emphasized that the move was not only intended to ease the financial burden on millions of households but also to contribute to a healthier environment by encouraging the use of cleaner cooking fuels.

Opposition’s Criticism

The timing of the announcement drew criticism from the Opposition, who labelled it as an “election-driven” decision. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Member of Parliament, Priyanka Chaturvedi, accused the government of failing to address the issue of rising inflation during its two consecutive terms in power. She argued that women across the country have been demanding a reduction in the price of LPG cylinders for a long time, and the government’s decision was motivated by the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Chaturvedi highlighted the impact of inflation on households, stating that the rising expenses coupled with stagnant incomes have put a significant strain on families, irrespective of gender. She claimed that despite the Prime Minister’s promise to tackle inflation, the situation has worsened during his tenure, with households bearing the brunt of “runaway inflation.”

A Nominal Reduction

The Sena (UBT) MP pointed out that the price of LPG cylinders has increased significantly in recent times, and the announced reduction of Rs. 100 will not provide substantial relief to middle-class households. She noted that in 2014, the price of an LPG cylinder was Rs. 400, but it has now risen to three times that amount. Even with the revised rate, Chaturvedi argued that people will still have to bear the brunt of inflation, as the reduction is nominal compared to the overall increase in prices.

Despite criticizing the timing of the decision, Chaturvedi welcomed the move, acknowledging that the Opposition and people across the country had been demanding a reduction in the price of LPG for a long time. She expressed satisfaction that the government finally heeded their calls, even if the motivation was perceived as political.

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Government’s Stance

The government, however, sought to delink the decision from the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing its commitment to empowering women and ensuring ‘Ease of Living’ for them. The Prime Minister’s statement highlighted the goal of supporting the well-being of families and contributing to a healthier environment through the use of affordable cooking gas.

While the LPG price cut has provided some relief to households, the debate continues over whether it was a genuine move to address the burden of inflation or a political strategy with elections looming. Regardless of the motivation, the decision has been welcomed by the Opposition, who had been demanding such a measure for a long time. As the country gears up for the upcoming elections, the discourse surrounding the cost of living and the government’s efforts to alleviate the burden on citizens is likely to intensify.