Congress Leader Arham Adil Slams LPG Price Increase, Warns of Impact on Small Business

Hyderabad — Congress leader Arham Adil has launched a sharp critique against the latest LPG price increase, contending that it has intensified financial strain on small enterprises and ordinary people struggling with an already rising cost of living.

Adil challenged the rationale behind the timing of the hike, invoking earlier statements from Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who had previously indicated no plans existed for fuel price increases.

The Congress leader also referenced prior warnings from party colleague Rahul Gandhi, who had cautioned that fuel prices might climb following elections. Adil suggested that Gandhi's apprehensions have now materialised.

While acknowledging that oil marketing companies have endured financial difficulties, Adil accused the authorities of transferring this burden squarely to consumers rather than implementing policy-based solutions. He highlighted that international crude oil prices have softened in recent weeks, yet domestic consumers have seen no corresponding reduction.

"The shock has been particularly acute for those whose livelihoods depend directly on LPG," Adil remarked.

Small food vendors operating in competitive markets face particular hardship, he noted, as many function with minimal profit margins and cannot readily absorb higher fuel expenses. In Hyderabad specifically, vendors across localities including Nampally, Ameerpet, Tolichowki, Yousufguda, Kukatpally and sections of the Old City are confronting mounting difficulties. Several had previously paid premium rates for cylinders due to supply constraints.

Adil observed that numerous food establishments in price-sensitive neighbourhoods lack the flexibility to pass increased costs to customers. Prior LPG price increases have prompted certain outlets to close temporarily or transition to alternative cooking methods powered by wood, he noted.

Repeated swings in fuel pricing sow instability for small businesses and complicate long-term planning, Adil cautioned. He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to reconsider the price hike and shield disadvantaged groups from additional financial hardship.

The Congress leader further pressed for enhanced openness in the fuel pricing mechanism, advocating that price adjustments should align with international crude oil movements and account for consequences affecting ordinary citizens.