BJP opposes any hike in CNG price

Amid indication that prices of compressed natural gas (CNG) may go up in Delhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said if the hike is allowed, it would compound the problem of the common people who are already hit hard by price rise.

People in the city are already having a tough time because of rise in prices of essential commodities and they will have to bear additional burden if CNG rates go up, senior BJP leaders V K Malhotra and O P Kohli said in a statement.

The leaders said they are concerned about reports that possible prices of CNG may be increased by Rs. 2.10 per kg.

The Indraprastha Gas ltd (IGL) on Tuesday said it will hike CNG rates in the national capital by Rs 2.10 per kg.

IGL, the sole supplier of CNG to automobile and pipe cooking gas to households, currently sell gas at Rs 18.90 per kg.

"The board has already cleared the increase in prices, but no date has been decided when it will come into effect," a company official said.

Malhotra and Kohli said that if the price of CNG "is increased then the auto rickshaw and taxi drivers will also demand for increase in their fare".

On reports that Government may end subsidy on cooking gas, the leaders favoured continuing with the subsidy.

Both leaders hoped that in the interest of common man, the government will not put additional burden by increasing the price of cooking gas and CNG.