Hardeep Singh Puri Addresses LPG Price Increase and Opposition Claims

New Delhi, June 10: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has clarified that the actual increase in petrol prices is ₹7.60, offset by a ₹10 reduction in excise duty. He also addressed the ₹29 rise in LPG prices for beneficiaries of the Ujjwala scheme.

Speaking to a news agency, Puri stated, “The total increase in petrol is only ₹7.60, as the remaining ₹10 has been absorbed by the excise duty cut.”

Regarding the LPG cylinder price, the minister noted that some news channels claim a ₹29 increase. He explained that Ujjwala beneficiaries typically use one cylinder every three months. Thus, dividing ₹29 by three results in a monthly increase of about ₹9.67. Further dividing this by 30 days shows a daily increase of only 30 paise. There are approximately 10.55 crore Ujjwala beneficiaries.

Puri elaborated that the limit of four cylinders was imposed due to reliable information suggesting that some beneficiaries were diverting extra cylinders for commercial use. This is a Direct Benefit Transfer scheme, where the subsidy is credited directly to the buyer’s account. Subsidies are available for up to four cylinders, while a fifth cylinder can be purchased at the full price of ₹300 during festivals or special occasions. The normal subsidy on a cylinder is around ₹700. Without the subsidy, the price would be ₹1,600 instead of the current ₹700-945.

He questioned, “Why should taxpayer money go towards unnecessary subsidies?” Referring to the free rations provided during the pandemic, he noted that this support is still ongoing. Puri criticized the opposition for their claims, asking if a ₹29 increase per cylinder, equating to just 30 paise a day, is truly significant. In the context of overall living costs, salaries, and inflation, this percentage is negligible.

The minister urged the media to recognize that the opposition is attempting to mislead the public. He assured that the government is committed to managing the situation effectively, even amid international turmoil, and that appropriate measures will be taken if prices rise significantly.