The price of cooking gas, which is commonly used in households, has risen to an alarming level.
Every year, the price of cooking gas cylinders has been consistently increased. In March last year, the price of a cylinder was Rs. 1118.50 for a 14.2 kg gas cylinder. In March of this year, the price of a cylinder was raised by Rs. 53.50 from the previous year’s March, where it was priced at Rs. 915. This marked the first time the price of a cooking gas cylinder crossed the Rs. 1000 mark. In February of this year, the price of a cooking gas cylinder was Rs. 1068.50. This increase raised the price by Rs. 50 since last March. Consequently, the price of a cooking gas cylinder reached a new high of Rs. 1118.50.
Over the past 6 months, cooking gas has been sold at the same price. The increase in the price of cooking gas cylinders has caused significant distress among families. This rise in cylinder prices has particularly affected the middle-class and poor citizens. They expressed their anguish, stating that the increased cylinder price has added to their financial burden, considering the amount already allocated for their monthly expenses. The escalating cylinder prices have led to changes in the budgets of many households. With the soaring cylinder prices, many have had to adjust their spending habits in rural areas. Political parties demanded a substantial reduction in cooking gas cylinder prices, taking into account the labor of the common people. The question ‘Will the cylinder price decrease?’ echoed among opposition parties.
In this situation, the price of cooking gas cylinders has been reduced by Rs. 200. As a result, in Chennai, the price of a gas cylinder, which was previously Rs. 1118.50, has now decreased to Rs. 918.50. The price of a cooking gas cylinder in March of the previous year, 2022, was Rs. 915. Following that, in the current scenario, after the price reduction, the cylinder price has gone down to Rs. 918, which is below Rs. 1000, marking a decrease after 1½ years. This price reduction came into effect today (Wednesday). This move has brought joy to the middle class by the government. However, many women still demand further reduction in cylinder prices.
