Government Slashes Cooking Gas Prices, Eases Burden on Families
In a move to alleviate the financial strain caused by rising living costs, the Indian government has taken a significant step by reducing the price of cooking gas (liquefied petroleum gas or LPG). This decision was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after a Union Cabinet meeting and will come into effect from the upcoming Wednesday.
The reduction amounts to a noteworthy Rs 200 per cylinder for all households across the nation. Moreover, families benefiting from the PM Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) will receive an additional subsidy of Rs 200 per cylinder, bringing the total subsidy for these beneficiaries to Rs 400 per cylinder.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight about the announcement, emphasizing its timeliness as it coincides with the festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. He shared a heartfelt message on social media, stating that this reduction in gas prices would contribute to the comfort and well-being of sisters within families.
The government’s intention behind this decision is to alleviate the financial strain on citizens due to high inflation. The announcement, however, was clear that the price reduction is a welfare measure and not linked to any upcoming elections. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur affirmed that the government is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all, particularly the poor and middle class.
Additionally, the government plans to provide an extra 75 lakh Ujjwala connections, which will increase the total number of beneficiaries under the PMUY to 10.35 crore. This move is particularly significant as cooking gas prices have significantly increased over the past few years, causing concerns among the public and becoming a key topic of debate, especially among the Opposition.
For instance, in Delhi, the cost of a domestic 14.2-kg LPG cylinder has more than doubled since May 2020, reaching Rs 1,103. However, after the price reduction, the cost for general consumers will drop to Rs 903. For Ujjwala beneficiaries, the price per cylinder will be even lower at Rs 703. The government has assured that state-owned oil marketing companies will be compensated for charging less through a government subsidy.
The decision not only eases the financial burden on families but also highlights the government’s commitment to expanding access to essential resources. Over the years, the distribution of domestic LPG connections has significantly increased, with the Ujjwala scheme playing a pivotal role in this growth.
While the exact cost to the exchequer wasn’t elaborated upon, Thakur did note that the Rs 200 per cylinder subsidy for Ujjwala consumers would amount to Rs 7,680 crore in the financial year ending March 31, 2024. This move reflects the government’s efforts to enhance citizens’ well-being and promote a higher quality of life.