In a step that is likely to hit consumers further, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has moved the Cabinet for a hike in prices of diesel, LPG cylinders and kerosene. The Cabinet will also discuss putting a cap on number of subsidised cylinders for each household up to a certain income limit.
In addition, elected members, including Ministers, MPs, MLAs, MLCs and councillors, are likely to face discontinuation of subsidised LPG cylinders. The Ministry may impress upon the Cabinet to take a call on imposition of a higher duty on diesel vehicles in view of the massive jump in consumption of the fuel in the recent past. In July, diesel sales jumped by 12 per cent, sending the alarm bells ringing.