Union Cabinet Slashes LPG Cylinder Price by ₹200 Ahead of Raksha Bandhan
In a welcome move for consumers, the Union Cabinet has announced a reduction of ₹200 in the price of a 14.2 kg LPG cooking gas cylinder, just in time for the upcoming festival of Raksha Bandhan. This decision, which aims to offer some respite to households, comes as the Centre grapples with mounting criticism over the escalation of inflation.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur revealed the government’s intention behind the price reduction, stating, “On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and Onam, the government has decided to reduce the price of domestic cylinders by ₹200. This is a gift from PM Narendra Modi to the women of the country.” The gesture, therefore, carries a dual significance, not only as a pre-Raksha Bandhan gift but also as an effort to address the economic concerns faced by citizens.
This significant price reduction will be applicable not only to regular consumers but also to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). The PMUY is a government initiative that aims to provide free LPG connections to women from economically weaker sections, thereby promoting clean cooking fuel and reducing indoor air pollution.
Currently, a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder in the national capital is priced at ₹1,103. However, with the new price adjustment set to be effective from the following day, consumers can expect to pay ₹903 for a cylinder. This revision not only brings immediate relief to consumers’ budgets but also serves as a meaningful acknowledgment of the financial constraints that many households are currently facing.
For those who are beneficiaries of the PM Ujjwala scheme, the revised price will be even lower, set at ₹703. This concession follows the government’s earlier move in March, when it extended a subsidy of ₹200 per LPG cylinder specifically under the PM Ujjwala scheme. This targeted approach underscores the government’s commitment to easing the financial burden on those who are most in need of support.
To further amplify its efforts in promoting clean cooking fuel, the government is taking additional steps. Minister Anurag Thakur announced, “The government will also provide 75 lakh new LPG connections for free under the Ujjwala scheme.” This expansion of the scheme’s reach is a commendable stride toward ensuring that more families have access to safe and environmentally friendly cooking options. As of now, approximately 9.6 crore beneficiaries are part of the PMUY, a testament to the program’s positive impact.
This move arrives against the backdrop of earlier increases in the price of domestic LPG cylinders by ₹50 in July. These increments followed two prior hikes in May, a development that had prompted concerns among citizens grappling with the consequences of rising inflation and fluctuating energy prices. The decision to reduce LPG cylinder prices by ₹200 is expected to provide a measure of relief and ease the financial strain on households.
It’s noteworthy that the government had initiated a subsidy for PMUY beneficiaries in May of the preceding year. This decision was a response to the global surge in energy prices and was part of a series of relief measures announced by the government. The subsidy mechanism aimed to mitigate the impact of the economic challenges posed by the energy price fluctuations.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 30th August 2023
