Sharad Pawar Warns Centre Over Rising Essential Commodity Prices Hitting Common Man

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday criticized the Centre over rising prices of essential commodities, warning that the government could face political consequences if inflation continues to burden households. His remarks came in response to the latest increase in domestic LPG cylinder prices, which has sparked renewed debate over the cost of living and its impact on ordinary citizens.

Pawar questioned the government's assertion that inflation remains under control, arguing that repeated price increases are placing growing pressure on families across the country. Referring to the latest LPG hike, he said that controlling inflation should not mean subjecting citizens to recurring financial shocks. According to the veteran leader, people are increasingly feeling the effects of rising costs on their daily expenses.

The latest increase has raised the price of domestic cooking gas cylinders by ₹29, marking the second hike in three months. The revision follows an earlier increase of ₹60 per cylinder in March, when global energy markets experienced volatility amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia. State-owned fuel retailers have cited elevated international energy costs as a key factor behind the revisions.

Also Read: Sharad Pawar Says AI Could Have Prevented NEET Examination Paper Leak

Joining the criticism, Maharashtra Congress leader and Congress Legislature Party chief Vijay Wadettiwar accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of adopting a different stance on inflation after coming to power. He alleged that BJP leaders had frequently protested fuel and LPG price increases during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era but have remained largely silent despite multiple hikes under the current administration.

Wadettiwar also pointed to increases in commercial LPG cylinder rates as well as periodic revisions in petrol, diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) prices in recent years. He argued that inflation continues to affect household budgets, particularly among middle-class and economically weaker families, who are already grappling with rising living costs.

The issue of inflation has remained a recurring point of contention between the government and opposition parties. While the Centre maintains that it is taking measures to manage price pressures and protect consumers, opposition leaders contend that repeated increases in fuel and cooking gas prices are eroding household purchasing power. With economic concerns often influencing voter sentiment, the debate over inflation is expected to remain a prominent political issue in the months ahead.

Also Read: Sharad Pawar Comments On PM Modi’s Role In Protecting India’s Global Prestige