Modi Changes Stance for Votes: AP Congress Chief Sharmila

The President of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Y.S. Sharmila, strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the recent hike in commercial LPG prices, alleging that the increase is adding pressure on the public and small businesses .

She said the government has once again shifted the financial burden onto consumers through the steep revision in commercial cooking gas prices.

Her statement came after the Centre increased the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by about ₹993 . Following the revision, the price of a commercial cylinder in Delhi rose to around ₹3,071 .

Sharmila pointed out that while global fuel price fluctuations are often cited as justification, the burden of such changes is ultimately passed on to ordinary people and small traders .

She said the latest price revision would significantly impact hotels , tea stalls , and small food businesses that heavily depend on commercial LPG cylinders for daily operations.

According to her, the increase in fuel costs will also indirectly raise food prices , making eating out more expensive for consumers.

She noted that students , workers , and low-income groups would feel the impact most, as they depend on affordable food outlets and small eateries.

Sharmila added that small businesses such as tea stalls and mini hotels would face additional financial strain due to higher operating costs.

Meanwhile, there has been no official response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding her comments.