Last Updated on March 12, 2026 1:25 am by BIZNAMA NEWS
Staff Reporter / New Delhi
The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has strongly condemned the recent increase in LPG prices and supply restrictions introduced from March 7, 2026, alleging that the move will place a heavy financial burden on households, farmers and small businesses across the country.
In a statement issued on March 10, the farmers’ organisation said the hike would impose an estimated annual burden of about ₹24,000 crore on consumers. The group criticised the government’s economic and foreign policy decisions, claiming they had contributed to rising fuel costs and supply disruptions.
Impact on Households
According to AIKS, domestic LPG cylinder prices have reportedly increased by ₹60 per cylinder. The organisation said this would raise the annual expenditure of an average household on cooking gas to over ₹8,000. It also criticised the existing subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, saying the ₹300 subsidy provided to beneficiaries is insufficient to offset rising costs.
The group also opposed the new rule requiring a 25-day gap between LPG refills, arguing that it would disproportionately affect low-income households.
Small Businesses and Hospitality Sector
AIKS said commercial LPG cylinders have been raised by about ₹115 each, which it claimed could significantly increase operating costs for small eateries, restaurants and food vendors. The organisation warned that the higher costs could force several small establishments to cut operations or shut down.
Supply Concerns
The farmers’ body also alleged disruptions in LPG supplies in some regions, including parts of Punjab, Maharashtra, Bengaluru, and Chennai, which it said had added to consumer difficulties.
Farmers’ Concerns
AIKS further raised concerns about the possible impact of geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and LPG shipments. The organisation claimed that any disruption to the route could worsen energy shortages and indirectly affect agricultural trade and exports.
Key Demands
The organisation has placed several demands before the government, including:
- Immediate rollback of the ₹60 domestic and ₹115 commercial LPG price hikes.
- Removal of the 25-day gap rule for domestic LPG refills.
- Compensation and relief measures for farmers affected by export disruptions.
- A long-term strategy to secure affordable energy imports.
AIKS warned that it may launch nationwide protests if the government fails to address the concerns raised by farmers, consumers and small businesses.
Government authorities have not yet issued an official response to the organisation’s statement.
