Fall in LPG cylinder prices come as relief for buyers

For the eighth time this year, the price of the non-subsidised cooking gas (LPG) has come down, bringing a huge relief to domestic consumers.

On Friday night, the price of LPG was cut by Rs.23.50 for a 14.2 kg cylinder bringing the price to Rs.603.50 in Chennai. There has been a steady decrease in the cost of non-subsidised LPG since January this year. LPG prices are revised every month.

There are 1.54 crore LPG consumers in the State and 31 lakh consumers in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts belonging to Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation.

Anuradha. of Anna Nagar, said: “I am glad that the price has dipped again. I hope the price will continue to be affordable.”

Consumers however say that this will not have much of an impact on the household budget since prices of provisions, vegetables and fruits have not come down. Mogappair resident S. Meenakshi Annie, who is delighted to note the downward trend in prices of LPG, petrol and diesel said that the government must ensure that the benefit of fall in diesel prices must reach the end customer.

“The family budget only keeps increasing every month,” she said. From Friday midnight a litre of diesel would cost Rs. 47.30. On July 16, it was revised to Rs. 51.08. Similarly, petrol now costs Rs. 64.77 a litre. It was Rs. 67.29 a litre last month.

Though consumers are delighted with the downward trend, consumer activists say many people do not realise the fluctuating price of cooking gas every month because of the additional amount that they pay to the delivery personnel.

S. Mohan Ram, president of Thiruninravur Consumer Council said: “The price may always go up. The delivery staff members demand for Rs.40 to Rs.60 to deliver cylinders. We have been asking that gas agencies to pay fair salary to staff members. They must install boards asking consumers not to pay more than the bill amount and provide complaint numbers.”