Chitradurga (Karnataka) [India], May 3 (ANI): Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi has said that the issue of gas prices is also linked to the global situation and noted that fuel distribution in India remains stable.

Interacting with the media, he pointed to rise in international crude prices.

Opposition parties have criticised the government for sharp increase in price of commercial gas cylinder.

The Union Minister said state-level taxation also contributes to fuel price differences

'The state government has increased the price of petrol and diesel in Karnataka three times. Why did it do this?,' he asked.

There have been global energy supply disruptions due to conflict in West Asia.

Joshi also spoke about a felicitation programme being organised for former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on May 9.

He said Yediyurappa played a key role in strengthening the BJP in South India, and the event aims to honour his long political career.

Joshi expressed confidence of BJP's good performance in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry where votes will be counted on Monday.

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko has condemned the rise in prices of commercial LPG cylinders by Rs 993.He said the price of a 19 kg commercial cooking gas cylinder was increased by Rs 144 in March and by Rs 203 in April.

'In this situation, yesterday, on May 1, the cylinder price has been increased by Rs 993, fixing the selling price at Rs 3,239,' he said.

The MDMK leader said an increase in the price of commercial cooking gas by around Rs 1,000 in one stroke is highly condemnable.

He said that over the past two months, the 'disruption in the supply of cooking gas has severely affected restaurants', and the prices of food items have also risen drastically.

Vaiko said an increase in the price of commercial cooking gas will severely impact the general public.

He sought the withdrawal of the price hike.Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that domestic inflationary pressures were expected to rise after the elections, pointing to a sharp increase in the price of commercial LPG cylinders.

In a post on the social media platform X, Gandhi said the commercial gas cylinder price has gone up by Rs 993 in a single day, calling it the 'biggest increase in a single day'.

'I had said it - the heat of inflation would come after the elections. Today, a commercial gas cylinder is Rs 993 more expensive. The biggest increase in a single day. This is the election bill. From February till now: Rs 1,380 increase - a whopping 81% jump in just 3 months,' he posted on X.

He said the impact of the price hike would be felt across small businesses such as tea stalls, dhabas, hotels, bakeries, and sweet shops, adding that household expenses would also be affected.Gandhi also warned of possible further increases, stating that after gas, petrol and diesel prices could rise next. (ANI)