In the fourth such hike this year, prices of non-subsidised LPG went up by Rs 50 last week. Indulata Biswas, a mother of three whose husband works as a plumber, talks about the impact on her family:
1. How have LPG prices risen?
We got the gas connection 10 years ago and don’t get any subsidy. Till two years ago, a big cylinder (14.2 kg) cost Rs 400 to Rs 500. Now, it is Rs 1,200, and it is a huge dikkat (problem).
2. What has it meant for your budget?
The price rise may seem marginal to others but it is a strain for us, with all essentials costly. Our extended family lives here, so we share cylinders. I refill them when my husband’s pay comes in.
3. How have you adjusted the extra expenditure?
My husband makes Rs 10,000-Rs 15,000. My eldest daughter works at a call centre, in addition to going to college, and earns Rs 8,000. There is rent of Rs 4,000, then school fees of Rs 2,000. We also have a family back home. I have a breathing problem but can’t see a doctor.
4. How have things changed from earlier?
Five years ago, we spent about Rs 3,000-4,000 on ration. But now, this comes to Rs 8,000 a month. We have stopped buying milk this year, it costs Rs 35 per litre; cut bread and curd from our diet.
5. Are families around you in a similar situation?
Yes. It has been particularly difficult this year. My neighbour has a small child. He is only being fed rice gruel and no fruits or vegetables. Everyone is barely scraping by and there are zero savings.