Expensive gas
The Hindu
Wisdom lies in using all sources of energy wherever possible instead of depending only on LPG
With the price of LPG crossing ₹900 a cylinder, every user is concerned. In the early 1970s, I considered cooking using gas a luxury because of the free firewood from our garden. But it soon became a necessary evil in the houses of many like us.
The demand for domestic cooking gas cylinders steadily increased due to demand from women. The time taken for the supply of refill started to go up due to demand as people, even in rural areas, stopped using free firewood and started to line up for gas refills. The sixth and seventh Pay Commissions put more money in the hands of government employees and this extra money made consumers unmindful of the steady rise in price of gas over the years.
Misuse of subsidised cooking gas cylinders in vehicles also contributed to the increase in demand. With the government at the Centre leaving the price of petrol, diesel and LPG entirely at the hands of the oil companies, the consumer has become the unfortunate victim of circumstances with no option except to swallow the increase in price every time under protest.