New Delhi, June 7 -- BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain on Sunday defended the recent increase in domestic LPG cylinder prices, attributing the hike to global energy tensions and saying India had kept the rise lower than most countries.

Linking the revision to international developments, Hussain cited the situation at the Strait of Hormuz and conflicts involving Iran, the US and Gulf nations. He said the Centre was working to shield consumers from sharper increases.

"Due to the Hormuz crisis and the ongoing war between Iran, America and the Gulf countries, oil prices have risen worldwide. The Prime Minister is working day and night to ensure that the burden on the public is minimised at least, and that is why, after Saudi Arabia, if the ...