Commercial LPG cylinder prices have been increased once again, adding to the financial burden on restaurants, hotels, caterers and small businesses across the country.
From June 1, the retail price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi has gone up by Rs 42, taking the rate to Rs 3,113.50. Kolkata recorded a steeper increase of Rs 53.50, pushing prices to Rs 3,255.50 per cylinder, per a report by NDTV.
Prices of 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders have also been raised by Rs 11. In Delhi, these cylinders will now cost Rs 821.50. Domestic LPG cylinder prices, however, remain unchanged.
Commercial LPG prices nearly double
The latest hike continues a steady upward trend seen over the past few months.
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In January, a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi was priced at Rs 1,691.50. Since then, prices have climbed sharply through repeated revisions. February saw an increase of Rs 49, followed by another Rs 115 rise in March.
Delivery men carry LPG cylinders on their bicycle outside an agency, in New Delhi. Representative image/ANI The sharpest jump came in April, when prices surged by Rs 993 per cylinder. After staying elevated through May, rates have increased again in June, taking the overall rise to nearly double within five months.
Rates rise across major cities
The increase is being seen across several urban centres.
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Commercial LPG prices in Mumbai now stand at Rs 3,024.50, while Chennai has recorded rates of Rs 3,232 per cylinder. Hyderabad and Patna remain among the costliest markets, with prices at Rs 3,294 and Rs 3,322 respectively.
The rise comes shortly after CNG prices were increased by Rs 2 per kg in Delhi and nearby regions. Petrol and diesel prices have also moved higher in recent weeks.
A worker carries a filled LPG gas cylinder amid the nationwide reports of LPG cylinder issue(s), in Guwahati. Representative image/ANI Global supply concerns behind price rise
The increase in LPG prices has been linked to disruptions in global energy supply chains due to tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Iran-linked crisis and instability around the Gulf region.
India depends heavily on the Gulf for crude oil, natural gas and LPG imports. Supply pressures have affected commercial consumers the most, especially businesses that rely heavily on cooking fuel and transportation.
