In a significant stride, the PM Narendra Modi-led administration has enacted a substantial reduction of Rs 200 in LPG cylinder prices, a move now making these cylinders available to citizens at approximately Rs 900. The impact extends to the beneficiaries of the PM Ujjwala scheme, nearly 9.6 crore in number, who can now obtain a cylinder for around Rs 700. This alteration is particularly pertinent as these beneficiaries had previously received a subsidy of Rs 200. The timing of this decision, being referred to as a Raksha Bandhan and Onam present, is notable due to the impending elections in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana.
The escalating LPG cylinder costs, which had surged to an unprecedented Rs 1,103, had prompted speculation since August 18 about potential price cuts. The escalated prices were creating political repercussions for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during state elections, particularly alienating women voters who have been a key support base for the party. These elevated prices were even implicated in BJP’s losses in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh.
This development emerges ahead of the pivotal state elections in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana. An announcement by the government also confirms the addition of at least 75 lakh new PM Ujjwala beneficiaries to the existing 9.6 crore recipients.
PM Modi expressed on X platform: “The festival of Raksha Bandhan is a day to enhance joy within our family. The reduction in gas prices will amplify the comfort of the sisters within my family, ultimately easing their lives. May each sister of mine remain content, healthy, and cheerful – this is my heartfelt wish.”
REVVING UP THE MOMENTUM
Over the past three years, LPG prices have nearly doubled, inviting criticism from opposition-led states and complicating matters for the Centre due to soaring LPG cylinder costs.
Ashok Gehlot, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, has initiated the provision of LPG cylinders for Rs 500, with the state covering the remaining expenses. In Madhya Pradesh, former CM Kamal Nath announced a plan to provide LPG cylinders at Rs 500 if the Congress party secures power later in the year. Echoing this trend, MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan declared a similar gesture of providing an LPG cylinder for Rs 450 as a rakhi gift.
A PRICE TAG ON THE MODI GOVERNMENT
The nearly 9.6 crore beneficiaries of the PM Ujjwala scheme, who were previously granted a Rs 200 subsidy on LPG cylinders, are now eligible to purchase a cylinder for Rs 700. For all other individuals, the revised price stands at Rs 903. This move aims to benefit both impoverished families, who are beneficiaries of the PM Ujjwala Yojana, and the middle-class segment that purchases non-subsidized LPG cylinders each month.
This decision incurs a cost of Rs 7,680 crore per year for the government but is anticipated to benefit a staggering 33 crore individuals, according to Union I&B Minister Anurag Thakur. However, both Thakur and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri have categorically denied any connection between this action and the upcoming state elections.
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