JAMMU, Jun 7: Mission Statehood President Sunil Dimple on Sunday led a protest rally in Jammu against the recent increase of Rs 49 in domestic LPG cylinder prices and the recurring hikes in petrol, diesel and commercial LPG rates, alleging that the rising cost of essential commodities has placed an unbearable burden on common citizens.
Addressing the protesters, Dimple strongly criticized the Central Government, terming the latest hike in domestic LPG prices as a “bombshell” on the people. He alleged that repeated increases in fuel and cooking gas prices have severely affected household budgets, particularly those of middle-class and economically weaker families.
Dimple claimed that there is an acute shortage of LPG cylinders in the market and alleged widespread black marketing of domestic and commercial cylinders. He further alleged that domestic LPG cylinders are being sold at inflated rates in the black market, causing additional hardship to consumers.
Expressing concern over the impact of rising prices on household expenses, Dimple said that homemakers are finding it increasingly difficult to manage kitchen budgets. He alleged that many families are struggling to afford basic necessities and provide regular meals to their children.
The Mission Statehood leader also criticized the reported delay in LPG cylinder bookings and deliveries, alleging that consumers are facing long waiting periods. He demanded an immediate rollback of the increased prices of domestic and commercial LPG cylinders and called for bringing LPG under the GST regime. He also sought exemption from tolls and taxes on LPG, petrol and diesel to provide relief to consumers.
Dimple further alleged that the rising fuel costs have triggered a surge in the prices of food items sold by sweet shops, hotels, restaurants, tea stalls and bakeries across Jammu and Kashmir. He claimed that the prices of vegetables, milk, curd, edible oils, pulses, rice, flour and other essential commodities have risen sharply, making it difficult for ordinary families to meet their daily needs.
Appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene, Dimple urged the government to roll back the recent hike in LPG prices and take measures to control inflation.
Warning of intensified agitation if the demands are not addressed, Dimple said that people across the country are increasingly distressed by the rising cost of living.
Among those who participated in the protest were Vipan, Mukesh, Ram Kumar Das, Rakesh Sharma, Bishan, Rocky, Vicky, Shafi Khan, Akbar Khan, Nazir, Shafi and several other supporters.