Tariff spike due to global gas prices, not BJP policy: Tripura Power Minister

Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Monday came down heavily on the opposition CPI(M), accusing it of misleading the public over the recent hike in electricity tariffs.

He alleged that the Left party was indulging in political theatrics over a policy that originated during its own tenure in power.

Speaking at a press conference in Agartala, Nath asserted that CPI(M) leaders had no moral right to protest against the tariff hike, pointing out that electricity rates were substantially increased multiple times when the party was in power.

“It is ironic that CPI(M) leaders protested today in front of the Power Department when they themselves were responsible for several steep tariff hikes during their rule,” Nath said.

Citing official figures, he said the CPI(M) government had raised electricity tariffs by 62% in 2010, 7.75% in 2012, 40.45% in 2014, and 5.83% in 2015 — amounting to a cumulative increase of 116.03% over seven years.

“In contrast, the BJP-led government has kept tariff hikes modest since taking office,” he claimed. “In 2020, we actually reduced tariffs by 2.34%. There were minor increases of 2.34% in 2022, 7% in 2024, and 7.15% in 2025.”

Explaining the rationale behind the current revision, Nath pointed to fluctuations in international gas prices influenced by dollar-rupee exchange rates. “Before 2009, natural gas used for power generation was traded in US dollars. As the value of the dollar increased, gas prices rose, pushing up power tariffs. That’s exactly what led to the spike in 2010. But the CPI(M) never explained this to the public truthfully,” he said.

Nath also alleged that it was the previous Left Front government that initiated the privatization of the state’s electricity sector by converting it from a fully government-run setup into a corporation.

He further clarified that the current tariff revisions are in accordance with the rules framed by the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission in 2011 — during the CPI(M)'s tenure. “The BJP government is merely implementing these existing regulations,” he said.

To ease the burden on consumers, the minister said that increased power costs due to gas price hikes would be recovered in two monthly installments instead of one, as permitted by the Commission.

“For example, a consumer using 412 units a month will receive a bill of Rs 3,005, which includes an increase of Rs 318. But instead of recovering the amount at once, we will spread it over six months. Additionally, a rebate of Rs 150 will be provided,” Nath added.