Coimbatore: Several demonstrations were held across the city on Saturday condemning the central government for increasing the price of LPG cylinders.
K Ramakrishnan, general secretary of Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (TPDK), said that even though the price of crude oil is stable, LPG price has been increasing gradually for the last few years. “Until about half-a-decade ago, cylinders would be sold to the public on subsidized price. But in the last few years, the central government asked consumers to open bank accounts to get the subsidy amount ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 150. About three months ago, the government stopped giving the subsidy,” he said.
The government should reduce the price of the cylinders immediately, said District treasurer of All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) C Jothimani. “The cylinders have become an inevitable part of life. Not many people will be able to buy them now. If the situation persists, the consumers would be forced to use kerosene stoves or firewood.”
“Since May, the government increased the cylinder price five times and in the last 15 days, it was increased twice – by Rs 50 each time. This has been done while people are left with no jobs and are facing pay cuts due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said DMK MLA N Karthik.
DMK women’s wing has decided to stage a protest in the city on Monday.