Commercial LPG Prices Surge from April 1; 19 kg Cylinders Costlier by Up to ₹218 Across Cities
Commercial LPG Prices Surge from April 1; 19 kg Cylinders Costlier by Up to ₹218 Across Cities
Commercial LPG prices have been significantly increased from April 1, with oil marketing companies raising the cost of 19 kg cylinders by up to ₹218 across major cities. The hike is expected to put additional pressure on restaurants, hotels, and small businesses already dealing with rising expenses. However, domestic LPG cylinder prices remain unchanged, offering temporary relief to household consumers.
In the national capital, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder has increased by ₹195.50, taking the new rate to ₹2,078.50. Kolkata has witnessed an even steeper hike of ₹218 for the same category. Smaller 5 kg FTL cylinders have also become costlier, with prices rising by ₹51, pushing their cost to ₹549 per refill. This latest revision follows an earlier increase of ₹114.50 implemented on March 1, indicating a continuing upward trend in commercial fuel costs.
Despite these hikes, there has been no change in domestic LPG cylinder prices. A standard 14.2 kg household cylinder continues to be priced at ₹913 in Delhi. The last revision for domestic users was announced on March 7, when prices were raised by ₹60.
The increase in commercial LPG rates is expected to directly impact hotels, restaurants, and small businesses that rely heavily on these cylinders for daily operations. Higher fuel costs may eventually translate into increased prices for goods and services, especially in the food and hospitality sectors.
Global developments are playing a significant role in this surge. Crude oil prices have climbed to around $116 per barrel, largely due to escalating tensions in West Asia. The situation has been further aggravated by disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route responsible for nearly 20% of global oil and gas shipments. Over recent weeks, international oil prices have surged by nearly 50%, tightening supply chains and pushing up costs worldwide.
Alongside LPG, Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices have also been revised upward across metro cities. In Delhi, ATF is now priced at ₹2,07,341.22 per kilolitre, while Kolkata stands at ₹2,05,953.33. Rates in Mumbai and Chennai are ₹1,94,968.67 and ₹2,14,597.66 per kilolitre respectively. For domestic airlines operating international routes, ATF prices have nearly doubled, rising to ₹1,690 per kilolitre from ₹816.
Even with these increases, petrol and diesel prices have largely remained steady. After a reduction of ₹2 per litre in March last year, rates have not seen any major revision, although premium petrol has experienced a slight hike. In Delhi, petrol is currently priced at ₹94.72 per litre and diesel at ₹87.62.
The central government has reassured citizens that fuel supplies across the country remain stable. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has confirmed that retail outlets are functioning normally and sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are available nationwide. Authorities have also advised the public against panic buying amid circulating concerns about shortages.
