Judicial Council Demands Immediate Rollback of Commercial LPG Cylinder Prices

New Delhi  : Judicial Council has issued a strong and unequivocal statement condemning the recent steep increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices, terming the decision as unjustified, insensitive, and severely detrimental to the economic stability of small businesses and the common citizen.

In its official communication, Rajiv Agnihotri , Chairman  of Judicial Council  expressed deep concern over the arbitrary escalation in prices, highlighting that such a move has imposed an unbearable financial burden on small and medium enterprises, including street vendors, dhaba operators, restaurants, and numerous service providers who depend heavily on LPG for their daily operations. Judicial Council  emphasized that these sectors form the backbone of the grassroots economy and are already struggling with rising costs and shrinking margins.

“Shri Rajiv Agnihotri ,The sudden and steep increase in commercial LPG prices is not merely a policy decision—it is a direct blow to the livelihoods of millions , at a time when businesses are striving to recover and sustain themselves, such an imposition reflects a serious disconnect from the ground realities and hardships faced by ordinary citizens.”

 Judicial Council further warned that the cascading impact of the price hike would inevitably lead to increased costs of goods and services, thereby fuelling inflation and placing an additional burden on the common man. According to Judicial Council, the absence of adequate safeguards, relief measures, or stakeholder consultation prior to implementing the hike raises serious concerns about the approach adopted in decision-making.

Calling the move “economically disruptive and socially insensitive,” Judicial Council stated that public welfare must remain paramount in all policy decisions. It stressed that any measure that disproportionately affects small entrepreneurs and daily wage earners undermines the broader objective of inclusive growth and economic justice.

In light of these concerns, Judicial Council has made a firm and categorical demand for the immediate and unconditional rollback of the increased commercial LPG cylinder prices. It has also called upon the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to introduce a transparent, fair, and stable pricing mechanism that protects small businesses from volatile and frequent fluctuations in fuel costs.

“The current situation is untenable. If immediate corrective steps are not taken, it will lead to widespread economic distress, business closures, and loss of livelihoods on a significant scale,” the Council warned.

 Judicial Council has urged the Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas to intervene without delay and take decisive action in the interest of the nation. It reiterated that governance must be responsive, accountable, and aligned with the needs of the people, especially those at the margins of the economy.

Concluding its statement, Judicial Council expressed hope that the government will act with urgency and responsibility to address this pressing issue and restore affordability, stability, and public confidence in the pricing of essential commodities like LPG.