HYDERABAD/VISAKHAPATNAM: At least 13lakh liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumers in the two Telugu states did not avail of a single refill in 2021-22 fiscal.
While a 50% price hike over three years is being cited as the trigger, gas dealers and consumers say rising dependence on food delivery apps, dormant and multiple connections and migration of families also contributed to it.
“An LPG refill costs Rs 1,105 in Hyderabad, while it was just over Rs 500 before the Modi government came to office in 2014. The poor are often unable to afford a refill due to costs and falling incomes in the pandemic. Also, subsidy on refills has dipped to negligible levels, delivering a double blow. The monthly budget on other items too has risen,” said a consumer.
