Immediately after the elections concluded, the price of commercial gas cylinders increased sharply by Rs 993. There is no doubt that this single hike will suffocate small and medium businesses. With the price of a 19 kg commercial cylinder reaching around Rs 3,315 in Hyderabad and Rs 3,071 in Delhi, how can hotel, restaurant, bakery, and dhaba owners afford it? They have no option but to increase other costs. Ultimately, the burden will fall on the food we consume—chapati, tea, snacks, and more. Moreover, there are indications from government circles that petrol and diesel prices may also rise in the next phase. Why is this happening?

Truth Behind the Excuse of Global Conditions

The Minister of State for Petroleum justifies this by citing West Asian tensions, blockades of oil shipments, and supply shortages. It is true that international crude oil prices have risen and supply chains have been disrupted. But the key question is: did these conditions not exist before the elections? From February until now, the price of commercial cylinders has increased by Rs 1,380—an 81 percent rise in just three months. Why was there not even a one-rupee increase during the election period? Did international prices fall at that time? Or did the government wait due to the election code? This question needs an answer.

Political Reactions — Mere Criticism or Genuine Concern?

Telangana minister Uttam Kumar Reddy criticized the move, saying it has “broken the backbone of the common man” and called the sudden 30–35 percent hike unjust. BRS leader KTR remarked that increasing prices immediately after elections has become a habit for the Modi government. Rahul Gandhi, in a post on X, warned that tea stalls, dhabas, bakeries, and sweet shops would be severely affected, and eventually, food expenses for the public would rise.

Although these may appear to be political criticisms, a closer look at the ground realities shows there is truth in them. Before elections in states like Karnataka, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh in 2023, did the central government not control or reduce prices? Increasing prices after elections seems to have become a pattern for the BJP-led central government.

Economic Impact — What the Numbers Say

What does a price of Rs 3,315 per cylinder mean? A small hotel typically uses 5–6 cylinders a month. That means an additional monthly burden of around Rs 20,000. The hotel owner cannot absorb this cost and will be forced to increase menu prices by Rs 5–10 per item. This burden ultimately falls on daily wage workers who drink tea, students who eat in canteens, and millions who depend on small eateries.

Another statistic: in January 2022, the price of a 19 kg commercial cylinder in Delhi was around Rs 1,700. Now it is Rs 3,071—an increase of nearly 80 percent in two years. This rise will also affect domestic cylinders (14.2 kg), even though the government provides subsidies for them. Commercial cylinders, however, have no subsidy, so the full burden is passed on to consumers.

Government’s Argument — How Valid Is It?

International crude oil prices have crossed 90 dollars per barrel. The Russia-Ukraine war, instability in West Asia, and reduced production by OPEC countries have indeed pushed prices up. But in a country like India, which relies heavily on imports, is it fair to directly link international prices with domestic prices?

The government earns significant revenue through excise duty, VAT, cess, and freight charges. Even when global prices rise, maintaining the same tax rates increases the burden further. Instead, the government should either increase subsidies or reduce excise duties. But neither step has been taken. Instead, the entire burden has been shifted to the public.

When global crude oil prices dropped significantly, and India imported cheap oil from Russia, the government did not reduce taxes but instead earned massive profits. Now, citing rising global prices seems inconsistent.

The Road Ahead — Tougher Days?

Government sources indicate that retail fuel prices have not been revised for four years, despite oil marketing companies making huge profits during that time. Where did those profits go? Now, they claim losses are increasing, and petrol and diesel price hikes cannot be ruled out. This suggests that more price increases may be on the way. Subsidies on domestic cylinders may also be reduced. In such a scenario, people must stay alert. Small businesses and middle-class families, in particular, need to reassess their budgets.

Final Word

Increasing prices immediately after elections does not reflect democratic values. As Rahul Gandhi pointed out, warning the public in advance is one thing, but it must be followed by alternative policies. The government should promote the use of natural gas, encourage solar energy, and develop local energy resources. Otherwise, in the next elections, people will respond strongly. A government that breaks the backbone of its people cannot sustain itself in a democracy.

Dr. Kolahalam Ramkishore