Members in LS demand withdrawal of Rs 4 hike in LPG prices

A number of members of the Lok Sabha today demanded withdrawal of the recent decision to effect a hike of Rs 4 per LPG cylinder every month.

The demand was raised during a discussion on the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill, 2017.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Congres) attacked the government over its decision to gradually remove the LPG subsidy.

Over 18 crore people getting the subsidy would not get it, he said, wondering how they became "rich" overnight.

He said Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan did not share the benefits of reduction in crude oil prices which have falled by more than a half.
 

"The oil world had showered its blessings" on Pradhan, he Chowdhury said.

Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy slammed the government over the hike of Rs 4 per LPG cylinder every month and demanded withdrawal of the decision immediately.

His party colleague Ratna De (TMC) too demanded withdrawal of this decision.

Sharing similar views, Kaushalendra Kumar of JD(U) said the prices of LPG should be affordable to the poor and the government should not increase its prices.

He said the crude oil prices in the international market are very low but people of the country are not getting benefited out of this.

During the discussion, a few members demanded setting up of Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy in their states also.

Prem Singh Chandumajra (SAD) urged the government to consider setting up of such institute in Punjab.

Bhagwant Mann (AAP) too demanded for the same, besides Rajesh Ranjan (RJD) asked to set up in northern India.