LPG Distributors Warn of Indefinite Strike Over Low Commission; Demand Urgent Government Action
NEWS CHARIOT:-In the wake of a recent ₹50 hike in domestic LPG cylinder prices, the LPG Distributors Federation has issued a stern warning to the central government, threatening to go on an indefinite strike if their longstanding demands are not addressed within three months.
The association is primarily demanding a revision of the commission provided to LPG distributors, which they claim is inadequate to cover operational and maintenance expenses. The announcement came after the federation’s national meeting held in Bhopal on Saturday, where representatives from various states unanimously approved a charter of demands.
B.S. Sharma, president of the association, stated in a press release that a formal letter has been submitted to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas outlining the concerns. He emphasized that the current commission structure is unsustainable and is placing financial strain on distributors across the country.
The union is pressing for a minimum commission of ₹150 per cylinder. They have also alleged that oil marketing companies are coercing distributors to accept and deliver non-domestic (commercial) cylinders, even when there is no actual demand—an action they say is in violation of legal and regulatory norms. The association has demanded an immediate halt to such practices.
Additionally, the union raised concerns regarding challenges in distributing cylinders under the government’s Ujjwala Yojana scheme, citing logistical and financial difficulties.
This warning comes soon after the government increased domestic LPG prices on April 7. As a result, the price of a cylinder in Delhi rose from ₹803 to ₹853. Similar hikes were recorded in other major cities—Kolkata saw an increase from ₹829 to ₹879, Mumbai from ₹802.50 to ₹853.50, and Chennai from ₹818.50 to ₹868.50. Prices under the Ujjwala Yojana were also revised upward.
The federation has made it clear that if their demands are not met within the stipulated time, they will initiate an indefinite strike, which could significantly impact LPG supply to millions of households across the country.
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