TNCC chief Manickam Tagore flays Centre for rise in commercial LPG prices
He also criticised the Centre over the proposed MDR charges on UPI transactions, saying the measures would further affect small traders
Manickam Tagore, the president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and an MP, has harshly criticized the Central government over the recent surge in commercial LPG cylinder prices. Tagore made his remarks on October 1, 2026, just ahead of the Navaratri and Ayudha Puja festivals. He pointed out that the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Chennai had skyrocketed from ₹1,726.50 in June 2014 to ₹2,983 in October 2026. This represents a staggering 72.78% increase during the tenure of the Narendra Modi government.
Tagore argued that such a steep rise was placing an undue financial strain on small businesses, particularly restaurants and tea shops, especially during the bustling festive periods. He also took aim at the Centre's proposal to levy MDR (Merchant Discount Rate) charges on UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transactions, alleging that these additional fees would further burden small traders.
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