Bhubaneswar: Members of the women, youth, and student wings of the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a protest demonstration at Master Canteen Square on Wednesday against the recent hike in prices of LPG cylinders and other essential commodities.
The protest was organised by the Biju Mahila Janata Dal, Biju Yuba Janata Dal, and Biju Chatra Janata Dal. During the demonstration, participants symbolically prepared tea on earthen chulhas to highlight the burden rising cooking fuel prices have placed on household budgets.
Senior BJD leader Lekhasri Samantsinghar criticised the Central government over the increase in LPG cylinder prices and the surge in prices of essential commodities.
She said the price of domestic LPG cylinders has increased by around ₹60, while commercial cylinders have seen a rise of ₹119. At the same time, cooking oil prices have climbed to nearly ₹170 per litre, further adding to the financial strain on households.
Samantsinghar alleged that the price escalation reflects the absence of a strong economic and energy security policy in the country. According to her, if domestic prices are heavily influenced by international developments, it indicates that the government has failed to ensure adequate safeguards for essential supplies.
She further claimed that when global oil prices had previously fallen, the government did not significantly reduce LPG and other commodity prices. However, whenever international prices rise, the burden is immediately transferred to the public.
“The elected government has the responsibility to ensure food security, price stability, and economic protection for the people, but the Centre has failed to address these concerns,” she said.
Meanwhile, BJD Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra said the protests at the Master Canteen area were organised to draw attention to the impact of rising fuel costs on ordinary households.
Patra also questioned the response of the Government of Odisha, stating that since it claims to be part of a “double engine government”, it should clarify what steps are being taken to protect citizens from price escalation.
He added that LPG directly affects household kitchens and the government should clearly state the status of petroleum products and cooking gas availability in the country.
“The government should clearly state the position regarding oil and LPG availability. Silence will only lead to unnecessary speculation among citizens,” Patra said.
