A political showdown has erupted after the Centre hiked commercial LPG cylinder prices by a steep ₹993. Opposition parties have hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, calling the move a “gift” to citizens on Labour Day. Leaders across opposition ranks have accused the government of burdening small businesses, hotels, and common consumers amid rising inflation and global energy disruptions. The sharp price hike marks the third consecutive monthly increase in commercial LPG rates, intensifying the political war of words.