BANGALORE: The repercussions of LPG price hike has been very harsh on the citizens, demonstrating its negative impact on the life of a householder as well as on the food industry. LPG gas is the only choice available for the middle classes and the steep rise in its price has been putting increased pressure on the wallets of the consumers who are already trying to cope up with rising prices of FMCG products.
City Express takes a look at the rising trend of LPG gas prices and its impact on day-to-day life of our citizens. A look at the escalating revised LPG prices since 1989 would give any prudent man a shock. The cost of LPG gas per cylinder containing 14.2 kg in 1989 was Rs 57.60. It witnessed a sudden jump in the year 2000 from Rs 146 to Rs 196.55 and finally to Rs 232.25 by the end of 2000.
The next 10 years in LPG pricing was very crucial as the prices took a long leap to Rs 346.30 in 2009, however, rolled back in 2009 to 279.70, bringing the much needed relief to citizens. However, the happy situation did not last long as the prices were raised again in 2010, touching Rs 345.35. Presently, in 2012, one has to pay as much as Rs 415 per cylinder.
The most affected sector by this frequent hike is the food and hotel industry. They have had to bear the rising LPG costs without changing the prices of many food items as this would result in losing out on many regular customers. In hotels, LPG gas cylinders of 19.6 kg are used and in January 2009, they were forced to pay Rs 741 per cylinder, in April 2009, it went to Rs 857. Early 2010, they had to pay `1,142 and by December 2010, it was `1,190. In January 2011, the prices stood at a staggering Rs 1,365, however, it went down in September 2011 and touched Rs 1,306. Finally, in January 2012, they were forced to pay Rs 1,425 but in March, once again, it shot up to Rs 1,634.
The general secretary of the Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association P C Rao said, “The price rise has no doubt affected the hotel industry and this has left us with no option but to increase the prices of the food items. I hope the customers will understand our problems too. We want to protect the goodwill that is there and urge the customers to cooperate with us.”
The rise in prices of LPG will definitely have a cascading effect on the varying needs and lifestyle of many citizens. However, the moot question is : Are the authorities in a position to take some action and redress the problems or will the citizens find an alternative option by themselves?
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