LPG becomes cheaper by Rs 200

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted cheaper cooking gas to his sisters on the auspicious occasion of Rakhi. On Tuesday, August 29, 2023, the Centre announced that 14.2 kg LPG cylinders will cost Rs 903 instead of Rs 1,103, thus, reducing the prices by Rs 200 per cylinder. Announcing the decision, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said the move is aimed at providing relief to households. And its noway connected with upcoming general elections, next year.

Draws opposition’s ire

Congress Party said purpose behind BJP’s latest decision is too woo voters in the upcoming general elections next year and also in the assembly elections of five states due to be held this year itself.
Interestingly, Congress party has itself vowed to cut LPG cylinder prices to Rs 500 if voted to power in upcoming assembly elections of Madhya Pradesh scheduled to be held in November-December, 2023

Cooking gas cylinder prices have doubled in last three years:

Price of 14.2 kg LPG cylinder had almost doubled in last three years from Rs 594 (price in New Delhi) in 2020 to Rs 1,103 in 2023. Thanks to the latest price cut, 14.2 kg LPG cylinder will now cost Rs 903 in New Delhi.

How many people have 14.2 kg LPG cylinders in India?

Currently, there are 31 crore people who are using the 14.2 kg LPG cylinders in the country.

At what price will LPG cylinders cost to PMUY beneficiaries?

Government is giving Rs 200 subsidy on 12 LPG cylinders to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana ( PMUY) subscribers every year. The latest price cut of Rs 200 is over and above the Rs 200 subvention being already provided under the PMUY. So, Ujjwala beneficiaries will have to pay Rs 703 for 14.2 kg LPG cylinder.

How many PMUY beneficiaries are there?

Currently, there are 9.6 crore Ujjwala beneficiaries in the country. The government has also announced that it will add 75 lakh more women under the fold of Ujjwala Yojana taking the total number of beneficiaries to 10.35 crore.