Faced with increasing political heat and criticism within the party and outside, the Manmohan Singh government has put on hold the Rs. 26.50 hike in the price of non-subsidised LPG cylinders. It is also reviewing the cap of six LPG cylinders allowed to domestic consumers in a year.

Sources in the government said that after the oil marketing companies (OMCs) hiked on November 1 the price of a non-subsidised LPG cylinder by Rs. 26.50 to Rs. 922 per unit on firming international rates, the government came under increasing pressure and criticism for effecting one hike after another.