After the recent shocking news about the increase in the price of LPG cylinder by Rs 50 along with the price rise of petrol and diesel, comes a piece of very pleasant news. The state cabinet on Monday has reportedly approved the scheme to give three LPG cylinders for free in a year per household from April onwards. This news is like music to the ears of the poor people and those belonging to the lower-income group. It will obviously lift the financial burden of poor people who would have to bear the increase in the price of cooking gas. It, however, remains to be seen whether this scheme will be applicable to all households irrespective of their financial status or whether there will be some criteria that will have to be fulfilled in order to be eligible for the scheme. It must be said that it is the poor and those belonging to the lower and middle-income group who are most affected by the increase in the price of essential commodities, fuel and cooking gas. Whether the scheme will be restricted to domestic cooking gas or whether it will be extended to commercial LPG cylinders also remains to be seen. The burden of an increase in the price of commercial LPG cylinders could be probably passed on to the customers by the food establishments. It is pertinent to note that in its manifesto the ruling party had reportedly also promised not to increase the state duties on petrol and diesel for the next three years.
