Ludhaina, May 3: A record-breaking hike in commercial LPG rates sparked a political demonstration in Ludhiana as members of the Aam Aadmi Party trade wing converged on the Clock Tower. The protesters criticized the central government for failing to stabilize energy costs amidst a deepening global supply crisis.
Commercial LPG cylinders now cost ₹993 more than they did last month, a move that oil marketing companies attributed to international benchmarks and the 50 percent surge in global oil prices. This latest revision follows smaller increases of ₹195.50 in April and ₹114.50 in March.
“It has been three months since the Iran war and the government should have prepared a concrete plan to save the common people,” AAP officials affirmed during the protest. They declared that the administration’s current trajectory has “broken the backs” of the people by allowing prices to skyrocket.
The protest was attended by a broad range of party leadership, including several MLAs and members of the Women’s Commission. Speakers at the event noted that the cumulative increase of ₹1303 over the last quarter has placed an unsustainable burden on the trade community.
“The central government has proven to be helpless for the common man,” the leaders stated, affirming that the timing of the hike suggests a lack of regard for the financial stability of the middle class once election cycles conclude.
While retail prices for domestic petrol and diesel have remained unchanged for now, protesters maintained that the soaring cost of commercial fuel will eventually lead to higher prices for essential services and food. The party affirmed its commitment to continue raising its voice against what it termed “unaccountable” price hikes.
