IGL hikes CNG, PNG prices; small rise in subsidised LPG
New Delhi, Sep 30 : State-run Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) has raised the price of compressed natural gas (CNG) by Rs 1.70 per kg and of domestic piped gas by Rs 1.30 per standard cubic metres (scm) in Delhi, effective Monday, following a change in the rate of domestic natural gas prices payable to producers.
As part of the six-monthly official revision of rates, the domestic natural gas price will go up from October 1 to $3.36 per million British thermal unit (mbtu), from the current $3.06.
IGL has also raised the price of CNG by Rs 1.95 per kg in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad.
"The new consumer price of Rs 44.30 per kg in Delhi and Rs 51.25 per kg in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad would be effective from midnight of September 30 and October 1," an IGL release said.
"The price of CNG being supplied in Rewari is being increased by Rs 1.80 per kg from Rs 52.25 per kg to Rs 54.05 per kg.
The price of piped natural gas (PNG) to households in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad have also been raised by Rs 1.50 per scm.
"The revision in retail prices of CNG and domestic PNG has been effected after taking into account the overall impact on the cost, as a result of the increase in prices of domestically produced natural gas notified by the government and appreciation of the dollar as compared to rupee since the last price revision," it added.
State-run oil marketer, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), on Sunday also announced a marginal increase of Rs 2.89 per cylinder in the price of subsidised LPG cylinder for domestic customers in Delhi for October.
"While the price of non-subsidised LPG at Delhi will increase by Rs 59.00 per cylinder in October 2018 mainly due to change in international price and foreign exchange fluctuations, the actual impact on subsidised domestic LPG customers is only Rs 2.89 per cylinder, which is mainly due to GST," IOC said.
"The subsidy transfer in customers' bank account has been increased to Rs 376.60 per cylinder in October 2018, as against Rs 320.49 per cylinder in September 2018," it added.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
