Why? A single cylinder now costs the exchequer ₹490 in losses. With war-driven fuel volatility and OMCs absorbing price shocks, subsidies are exploding; food, fertiliser, and even petroleum subsidies jumped 46%, 39%, and from ₹0 to ₹2.8bn respectively in just April-May. The real question: will this squeeze capex? The Centre’s playing it safe; prioritising fiscal deficit over infrastructure splurges. For job-seekers eyeing government roles, this signals tighter budgets ahead. If you’re prepping for exams, remember: policy shifts like this directly impact allocation, hiring, and project timelines. Smart prep means watching subsidy trends; they’re the quiet engine behind budget allocations.