PMK leader Anbumani demands rollback of LPG price hike

Indian households face renewed inflationary pressures as domestic LPG cylinder prices surged by Rs 29 nationwide, effective June 7, bringing the Chennai price to Rs 957.50. This marks the second such hike since late February, accumulating to an Rs 89 increase and triggering sharp condemnation from political figures like PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, who demanded an immediate rollback, citing the disproportionate impact on ordinary citizens. The latest price adjustment by state-run Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) is primarily attributed to the escalating West Asia conflict, which has severely disrupted global energy supply chains and driven up international crude oil and LPG benchmarks. With the Strait of Hormuz experiencing sustained curtailment of oil and gas transit, the cost of supplying a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder has reportedly soared to over Rs 1,600, leading to significant 'under-recoveries' for OMCs despite the price increases. The Indian government asserts it is absorbing a substantial portion of these costs, offering an effective price of Rs 642 for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries on their initial four annual refills. As the West Asia conflict shows no immediate signs of de-escalation, sustained high global energy prices are expected, intensifying the fiscal balancing act for the Indian government between consumer protection and the financial health of OMCs. Opposition parties are likely to amplify calls for greater government intervention and subsidies, while households will continue to grapple with a rising cost of living, potentially accelerating the shift towards alternatives like Piped Natural Gas (PNG) where available.