LPG price hiked by Rs 230 per cylinder

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Consumers who have not linked their aadhaar number to bank accounts for subsidy will have to pay excess Rs 230 per cylinder. Rs 65 will be additionally charged even if a consumer has aadhaar as the VAT levied by the government has been retained to 5%.

Oil companies increased the price of the cooking gas on the next day the time for linking the aadhaar number with the bank account for subsidy, ended on Tuesday. The reason cited for the steep hike is the increase in the price of crude oil in the international market.

A consumer will have to pay Rs 1301 for the cylinder even if linked with bank account but will get the subsidy via banks. Those who have not linked will have to pay the full amount. Almost 40% of the consumers have not linked the aadhaar with their bank accounts. The Union Petroleum Ministry has not paid heed to government’s request to extend the date for linking.

Oil companies and main distributors of the state like Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum increased the price. Prices of cylinders used for commercial purposes have also been hiked. After a rise of Rs 385.95, the price per cylinder for commercial purpose is Rs 2184.50. This is the first time the price is reaching above 2000.

Petroleum Ministry has informed that cylinders obtained after linking will get subsidy. In a year, nine cylinders are allotted to a consumer with subsidy.

If a person who has obtained eight cylinders and has not linked the aadhaar, then he will have to pay the market price for the ninth cylinder.  But if he links before the next cylinder then he will start getting the subsidy.

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