KOLKATA: For the second time in two weeks, the price of LPG cylinders was hiked by Rs 50, singeing the middle-class. Households are wary of further hikes in coming days. Those who do not avail of LPG subsidies have spoken out against the jump in the backdrop of a rise in food prices. The new domestic LPG price after the latest hike of Rs 50 will be Rs 720-721.
Heena Bhattacharya, a lawyer and partner of a Kolkata-based law firm, felt it was becoming increasingly tough for many to manage expenses now. “We do not avail of the subsidy and my family may not be directly impacted by it. But those whom I employ — driver and household help — are feeling the pinch. Eventually they will ask for a raise in salary. But our income has already been hit hard during the pandemic,” she said. “Food prices were already high. Now there is an increase in the LPG price as well. It will be difficult for the middle-income group to absorb the triple-whammy,” she said.
Meghamitra Mahato, an executive at a nationalized bank in Kolkata, felt that such increases will now eat into the savings of middle-class people.
