Chandigarh: Congress demands rollback of LPG price hike

The Chandigarh Pradesh Congress Committee has called on the central government to immediately roll back the latest increase in LPG cylinder prices. In a statement, party president HS Lucky said the hike adds to the growing burden of inflation and urged the Centre to adopt concrete measures to stabilise prices.

The demand comes at a time when many households are feeling the strain of rising fuel costs. LPG, a key cooking fuel for a large section of the population, has seen its price climb in recent months, prompting criticism from various political quarters. Congress has a history of opposing price hikes, arguing that they disproportionately affect low‑ and middle‑income families.

Lucky’s appeal was made during a press interaction in the city, where he highlighted the need for the government to monitor price movements closely and to implement policies that can keep essential commodities affordable. He stopped short of specifying the exact steps he expects the Centre to take, but emphasised that swift action is required to prevent further erosion of purchasing power.

The Congress leader’s remarks reflect a broader political narrative that frames price rise as a symptom of mismanagement. By positioning the LPG price hike within the larger context of inflation, the party aims to connect with voters who are increasingly concerned about the cost of living. This stance aligns with the party’s broader agenda of advocating for economic relief for citizens.

While the central government has not released a detailed response to the demand, officials have previously indicated that price adjustments are based on global market trends and domestic logistics. The government’s stance suggests that any rollback would need to be balanced with fiscal considerations.

In Chandigarh, the issue has sparked discussions among residents and local business owners. Many express concern that higher cooking gas prices could lead to reduced usage, affecting daily meals and household budgets. The Congress committee’s call for a rollback is likely to intensify the debate around the adequacy of current price regulation mechanisms.

The party’s demand also underscores its strategy of using price‑sensitivity as a political lever ahead of upcoming municipal elections. By framing the LPG hike as an avoidable hardship, Congress seeks to mobilise support among voters who feel directly impacted by the cost increase.

Overall, the call for a rollback of the LPG price hike reflects a recurring theme in Indian politics: the tension between global market forces and domestic policy decisions. Whether the Centre will respond with a reversal or opt for alternative measures remains to be seen. For now, the Chandigarh Congress Committee’s appeal adds to the ongoing public discourse on inflation and the affordability of essential commodities.

Source: Hindustan Times