LPG price surge sparks political backlash in Maharashtra
- Nishadil
- June 08, 2026
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Sharad Pawar warns the government will pay a political price as Congress leaders lambast BJP over LPG hike
A recent jump in LPG prices has ignited sharp criticism in Maharashtra, with senior Congress leaders blaming the BJP government for the surge and warning of electoral consequences.
When the government lifted the tax exemption on LPG cylinders earlier this month, the retail price in Maharashtra jumped by about ₹60 per kg. For millions of households that rely on the fuel for cooking, the increase feels like a sudden pinch.
Veteran leader Sharad Pawar, who heads the opposition NCP, seized the moment to warn that the ruling party is heading for a “political fallout.” He said, “The people will feel the pain at the ballot box; the government will pay the price for this decision.”
On the other side of the aisle, Congress MP Ashok Wadettiwar let the BJP have it, calling the hike “irresponsible” and “out of touch with the common man.” He added that the party should “think twice before imposing any more burdens on a populace already bruised by inflation.”
The price surge comes at a delicate time, as Maharashtra gears up for state elections later this year. Analysts note that fuel‑related costs have already become a key election issue, and any perceived neglect could tilt voter sentiment.
Consumers, meanwhile, are scrambling to adjust. Some are turning to bulk purchases, while others are exploring alternative cooking fuels. Small traders report a dip in sales, and a few retailers have started offering discounts to cushion the blow.
In Parliament, opposition members have filed a petition demanding a review of the tax removal, arguing that it was implemented without adequate stakeholder consultation. The government, for its part, defends the move as a necessary step to replenish the exchequer.
Whether this price hike will translate into votes remains to be seen, but the political ripples are already evident. As Pawar puts it, “Every decision at the helm reverberates in the streets.”
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