MLA criticises LPG price hike

MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal, criticised the Centre on Monday for increasing the price of domestic LPG cylinders by Rs 50.

Addressing mediapersons, Dhaliwal demanded the immediate rollback of the price hike, accusing the government of failing to fulfil its promises to control inflation. “During the 2014 General Elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the nation price rise would be controlled within 100 days of forming the government. Eleven years later, the reality is quite the opposite,” he said.

Dhaliwal provided comparative figures, stating in 2011, under the UPA government, the international crude oil price was USD 94.88 per barrel, and petrol cost Rs 63.77 per litre in India. “Today, even with crude oil hovering around USD 60 per barrel, petrol is being sold at Rs 90 to Rs 100 per litre,” he pointed out.

He criticised the Centre for failing to provide relief during the COVID-19 period when crude oil prices fell to USD 40 per barrel. “Despite the historic fall in crude prices, petrol was never reduced below Rs 80 per litre under this government,” he added.

Dhaliwal also blamed the Centre’s economic policies for the depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar. “As Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Narendra Modi mocked the rupee touching Rs 60 to the dollar. Today, the same dollar is close to Rs 85 and the entire cabinet has chosen silence,” he remarked.

Jalandhar