Pradhan says LPG prices will come down in March

Raipur: Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Thursday that LPG prices may come down in March. Pradhan, who is on a two-day visit to Chhattisgarh, spoke to the media on his arrival at the airport.

During his two-day visit, Pradhan will visit SAIL's Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) located in Durg district and will hold meetings with the plant officials, union representatives and others.

'LPG prices went up due to international market'

Responding to a query on the constant rise in LPG prices, Pradhan said, "This is not true that the price (of LPG) is constantly increasing. This month it was hiked due to the international market. However, there are indications that the prices may come down next month."

He added that LPG consumption increases during winters, which puts pressure on the sector. This month, the price increased while next month it will reduce, he said.

Last week, LPG prices went up by Rs 144.5 per cylinder due to a rise in benchmark global rates of the fuel. However, in order to shield consumers, the government almost doubled the subsidy it provides on the fuel to keep per cylinder outgo almost unchanged.

Pradhan to visit BSP iron ore mines

The minister is also scheduled to visit iron ore mines of the Bhilai Steel Plant in Dallirajhra town of neighbouring Balod district and lay the foundation of a beneficiation plant there.

"BSP holds an important place in our country's steel industry, especially for Indian Railways, as it meets 98 percent of the requirement of rail…How we can further improve the production capacity of the plant will be discussed with its officials during my visit," the Union minister said.

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