Centre failed to check soaring prices: Gupta

30/05/2026

JAMMU, May 29: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta on Friday accused the BJP-led Central Government of failing to control rising prices of essential commodities, saying inflation has made life difficult for people across Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing party functionaries at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here, Gupta said poor families, middle-class households, daily wagers, employees, pensioners, traders, transporters and unemployed youth were facing severe hardship due to the continuous rise in the prices of essential goods and services.
He alleged that the prices of LPG cylinders, petrol, diesel, vegetables, milk, edible oil and other daily-use commodities had increased substantially, putting immense pressure on household budgets.
Gupta claimed that the price of a domestic LPG cylinder in Jammu had reached around Rs 964, while commercial cylinders were being sold at over Rs 3,200, adversely affecting consumers as well as hotels, dhabas and small businesses.
He also referred to the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, saying the hike had pushed up transportation costs and consequently raised the prices of vegetables, fruits, milk and other essential commodities across the Union Territory.
The NC leader said the increase in fuel and transport charges had impacted both urban and rural populations and added to the economic burden on common citizens.
Defending the Omar Abdullah-led government, Gupta said the elected administration was making efforts to provide relief to the people despite what he described as limitations under the Union Territory system.
He said the J&K Budget had proposed six free LPG cylinders for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families and incorporated several welfare measures aimed at supporting economically weaker sections.
Gupta maintained that restoration of full statehood and greater financial support from the Centre were necessary for the government to implement broader relief measures.
Expressing concern over unemployment and slowing business activity, he alleged that the Centre's policies had weakened the purchasing power of ordinary citizens and worsened the economic condition of poor families. He urged the Central Government to provide immediate relief by reducing the prices of fuel and LPG cylinders. Among those present on the occasion were NC Provincial Secretary Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, SC Cell Chairman Vijay Lochan, Joint Secretary Ankush Abrol, District Jammu Urban Vice-President S. Gurnam Singh, Central Zone Secretary Dr. Vikas Sharma, Rahul Ward and Vinod Kumar.

Photo Gallery

BSE Sensex

NSE Nifty