KPCC spokesperson attacks Centre over commercial LPG price hike

Mysuru: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) spokesperson M Lakshmana on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Union Govt, accusing the BJP of burdening the common man with steep increase in the prices of commercial LPG cylinder, immediately after the recent state elections.Speaking to reporters, Lakshmana alleged that the sudden hike reflects ‘economic insensitivity' and warned that rising fuel costs could trigger widespread public anger. He claimed that the latest increase of Rs 993 in commercial LPG prices was ‘unprecedented,' especially when compared with the usual marginal revisions. He further pointed out that LPG prices have been revised upwards multiple times since Jan, including rates for smaller 5kg cylinders. In addition, he said bulk diesel prices have risen by Rs 149, while aviation turbine fuel has also seen an increase — factors that could collectively push up transportation and commodity costs.Rejecting the Centre's justification that global fluctuations are responsible, Lakshmana argued that the govt is not incurring actual losses but only witnessing a slowdown in profit growth. He accused BJP of misleading the public on economic realities. Expressing concern over the impact on the hospitality sector, Lakshmana noted that nearly 35 lakh hotels and around 9 crore workers across the country depend on commercial LPG, making them particularly vulnerable to such hikes.He also questioned the silence of Union ministers from Karnataka, Prahlad Joshi and Shobha Karandlaje, and urged elected representatives to address pressing regional infrastructure demands, including the Mysuru-Kushalnagar railway line and expansion of Mysuru airport runway.