JAMMU, Jun 8: Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Narinder Sharma has strongly criticized the latest hike in domestic LPG cylinder prices, terming it yet another blow to the already strained household budgets of common citizens.Reacting to the increase of ₹29 in the price of a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder, which has pushed the Delhi rate to ₹942 with effect from June 7, Sharma said the decision would further burden middle-class families, daily wage earners, pensioners, and economically weaker sections who are already grappling with rising inflation and escalating living costs.
He stated that essential commodities, cooking gas, electricity, education, and healthcare expenses have witnessed continuous increases in recent years, leaving ordinary families struggling to make ends meet. “At a time when people are expecting relief from inflationary pressures, the repeated increase in LPG prices has come as a major setback for household economies,” he remarked.Sharma expressed concern that cooking gas, once promoted as a clean and affordable fuel for every household, is gradually becoming unaffordable for many families. He warned that frequent price hikes could discourage economically weaker households from continuing the use of LPG, thereby undermining efforts aimed at ensuring clean and safe cooking practices.
The PDP leader urged the Central Government to reconsider the decision and take immediate measures to shield common citizens from the burden of rising fuel and essential commodity prices. He emphasized that welfare-oriented governance requires policies that provide relief to the public rather than adding to their financial hardships.Calling for a comprehensive review of pricing policies, Sharma said that protecting the interests of ordinary citizens must remain a priority, especially at a time when inflation continues to impact every aspect of daily life.
“Every increase in the price of an essential commodity directly affects the kitchen budget of millions of households. The government must act responsibly and provide meaningful relief to the people,” he asserted.