'Cracking inflation whip on public': Opposition slams Centre over LPG cylinder price hike

NEW DELHI: The opposition on Saturday slammed the BJP-led central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing them of "cracking the whip of inflation on the public," after LPG cylinder prices were hiked across the country. The price of a 14.2-kg domestic cylinder was increased by Rs 60, while the cost of a 19-kg commercial cylinder rose by Rs 115, with the revised rates taking effect from Saturday, March 7. Congress calls PM 'Inflation Man'Congress launched a scathing attack on PM Modi, dubbing him "Inflation Man" and accusing the government of pushing up the cost of living.In a post on X, the party said the hike would directly affect common households. "'Inflation Man Modi' Delivers a Shock to the Public. The Modi government has directly increased the price of domestic LPG cylinders by 60 rupees," Congress wrote on X."Meanwhile, for commercial LPG cylinders, you will now have to pay 115 rupees more. In the last 3 months, the price of commercial LPG cylinders has risen by 307 rupees. Narendra Modi is continuously wielding the whip of inflation on the public," it added. Pawan Khera targets Hardeep Singh PuriCongress leader Pawan Khera also criticised Union petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri over the hike, questioning his recent assurances on fuel affordability.In a post on X, Khera wrote, "Yesterday, @HardeepSPuri said: 'Our priority is to ensure availability of affordable and sustainable fuel for our citizens, and we are doing it comfortably.' Today, domestic LPG prices have been hiked by Rs 60, and commercial cylinder prices by Rs 115. Never believe a word of what Hardeep Singh Puri says."Khera's remarks came a day after the minister said that there was no shortage of energy in India despite the ongoing conflict in West Asia.Earlier, responding to concerns about fuel supply Puri had assured that consumers need not worry."Our priority is to ensure the availability of affordable and sustainable fuel for our citizens, and we are doing it comfortably. There is no shortage of energy in India, and there is no cause of worry for our energy consumers," the Union minister posted on X on Friday.Mamata attacks CentreWest Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee also criticised the hike, raising concerns about the burden on ordinary families.She said, "LPG prices have been increased again. Now you have to book gas 21 days prior, so what will you do for 21 days if the LPG at your home finishes? What will you eat? Will you order home delivery of food? Even the Kerosene quota has been reduced. You’re increasing the prices of things every day. This is why you want votes deleted? To break Bengal? Others may be scared of you, but we aren’t. We will unmask you."Revised LPG prices in major citiesFollowing the latest revision, the price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder has risen in several cities:The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has also increased:The previous domestic LPG price revision was in April 2025, when the non-subsidised rate in Delhi stood at Rs 853.The comments come against the backdrop of tensions in West Asia, which have raised global concerns about potential disruptions in crude oil flows through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, government sources cited by the ANI described India’s oil, petroleum products and LPG supplies as being in a "very comfortable position."