Overview
- The rupee slid to fresh lows near Rs 93.5–93.7 per US dollar after its steepest single-day fall in years, with higher energy costs weighing on sentiment.
- Rahul Gandhi argued that a weaker currency and rising industrial fuel prices signal broader inflation risks and alleged petrol, diesel, and LPG prices would be raised after state elections.
- Reports point to localized LPG shortages with long queues and temporary restaurant closures in Kerala, and Congress leaders claimed black‑market cylinder prices around Rs 1,300.
- Officials have offered reassurances on stock availability while asking commercial LPG users to shift to PNG where it is accessible to reduce pressure on cylinders.
- News coverage ties the rupee slide and LPG concerns to supply disruptions and cost pressures linked to the conflict in West Asia and tighter global oil and gas markets.