Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressing a press conference at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee office in Bengaluru on Tuesday (March 31).
| Photo Credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.

Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Tuesday (March 31) criticised the Centre over the rising prices of fuel, cement, iron, and other essential commodities in recent months, attributing it to wrongful policies of the Union government.

“Owing to the Centre’s wrong decisions and policies, people across the country are suffering due to the rise in prices. It is not just LPG cylinder prices; toll charges and railway fares have also increased,” he said.

Cement prices

He said cement prices have increased by ₹50 to ₹100 per bag, while iron prices have risen from ₹47,000 to ₹59,000 per tonne. “How can ordinary people build homes under these circumstances? This is also affecting government construction projects,” Mr. Shivakumar said.

“Elections are under way in five States. Hotels are shutting down and people are being forced to use electric stoves. Over the last 15 days, electricity consumption in the State has risen by 10%. The Union government has given people a ‘firewood blessing’, but where will the firewood come from?” he asked.

Fuel and LPG prices have surged, and there are supply shortages triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, with a cascading effect.

On guarantee schemes

Meanwhile, the BJP has been criticising the State government for increasing prices of essential services such as milk and public transport to mobilise resources for its guarantee schemes.

Responding to the criticism, Mr. Shivakumar said, “The Union government is waging a price war against ordinary people. To strengthen their financial position, our government has introduced five guarantee schemes, which are now providing financial protection.”

Published – March 31, 2026 07:44 pm IST