Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 1: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Centre following a steep hike in commercial LPG cylinder prices, calling it an “election bill” and warning that petrol and diesel prices could be next to rise.

In a post on X, Gandhi said that the price of commercial LPG cylinders has increased by Rs 993 in a single day, terming it the biggest-ever hike. He alleged that the burden of rising costs will ultimately impact common people, particularly those dependent on small businesses and food services.

“Since February, there has been a hike of Rs 1,380, an 81 per cent increase in just three months. Tea stalls, dhabas, hotels, bakeries and sweet shops are all affected, and this burden will reach your plate as well,” he said.

Gandhi further claimed that the government had provided temporary relief ahead of elections and is now allowing inflation to rise. He reiterated his earlier warning that fuel prices may also increase following the conclusion of assembly elections on April 29.

Targeting the Narendra Modi government, he alleged that it had benefited when global crude oil prices were low but is now passing the burden onto citizens as prices rise. “When oil was cheap, the government pocketed the gains. Now that it is expensive, the public will bear the cost,” he said.

Meanwhile, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder—primarily used by hotels, restaurants and other establishments—has risen to a record Rs 3,071.50 in Delhi, up from Rs 2,078.50. This marks the third consecutive monthly increase, attributed to rising global energy prices amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.

Earlier, prices were raised by Rs 195.50 on April 1 and Rs 114.50 on March 1, indicating a consistent upward trend in recent months.