Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy Slams Commercial Gas Price Hike, Seeks Rollback

State Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy strongly criticised the Central government over the steep hike in commercial gas cylinder prices, stating that the decision would break the back of common people . He condemned the move on Friday through a post on X.

He noted that increasing the price of a 19-kg commercial gas cylinder to Rs. 993 , bringing it close to Rs. 1,000, would have a severe impact on ordinary citizens . A sudden hike of 30 to 35 per cent would deal a heavy blow to small and medium businesses , he said.

The Minister pointed out that not only hotels, cafés, and restaurants , but also street vendors would face significant difficulties due to the price rise. He added that the move would impose an additional burden on the business sector , which is already struggling with rising costs.

At the same time, Uttam Kumar Reddy criticised the timing of the decision, alleging that the Central government took this step immediately after the West Bengal elections , indicating political motives . He accused the Centre of deceiving the public by raising prices only after the elections were concluded.

He further stated that the impact of the hike could push the price of a 19-kg gas cylinder beyond Rs. 3,000 , warning that this would have a lasting adverse effect on the standard of living of common people.

The Minister demanded that the Central government immediately withdraw the price hike and take steps to reduce the burden on the public .