TNI Bureau: The trouble for common citizens began after the government hiked the diesel prices by Rs 5 per litre. Adding to that the cap of only six subsidized LPG cylinders per household per annum is another reason for people to think of their expenses and cut many things in the budget. Now, when the cost of daily essentials are so high that the middle class and common men have started to live a compromised life, the current hike in diesel and LPG will drive another nail in the coffin.
“It seems the central government has vowed to harass common men of this country. When, we feel superior in comparison to citizens of other countries as our Prime Minister is an internationally acclaimed economist, who can provide us a better financial status in lieu of his aptitude, it seems we are the big sufferer in the whole world. Does this price hike will affect the big politicians, who are making concepts for us? No. But it is only we, the common people who will suffer. The government led by UPA has crossed all the limits to harass people” complained Gopal Pradhan of Balangir.
“The cap on subsidized LPG cylinders has added another big problem to people like us who are living in a semi-urban area, where it becomes too hard to get the subsidized cylinder even if you are ready to pay, because of the monopoly of the local dealer. So, now even if we will be ready to pay open market price for the cylinders, still it will be hard to get, since if the dealer’s people will sell it to restaurants on black they will get considerably high price, as they use it commercially” alleged Rajendra Mishra an advocate.
People can get three cylinders more at subsidized rate for this financial year, ending in March 2013. Total 6 cylinders they can get at the current subsidized rate. After six the cylinder prices will be doubled. The consumers need to pay Rs 746 (Delhi price) and Rs 767 in Odisha.
Point to embarrassment is that every commodity sold nationwide will now become more expensive due to the Rs 5 hike in diesel rates. Accordingly, households will have to double their annual budget for LPG gas cylinders. The decision to go in for the sharp diesel price hike, which excludes value added tax, will take effect from midnight on Friday.