Significant Hike in LPG Prices Amid Global Energy Surge

LPG Price Increase Announced

New Delhi, Mar 7: The cost of domestic LPG and commercial cylinders has been raised by Rs 60 and Rs 114.5, respectively, due to escalating energy prices linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

For non-subsidised LPG, which is primarily used by households not benefiting from the Ujjwala scheme, the price has now reached Rs 913 for a 14.2-kg cylinder in Delhi, up from Rs 853, as per the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) website. This marks the second price hike within a year.

Industry experts attribute this increase to a significant rise in global energy costs following the outbreak of military tensions in the region.

Despite the hike, officials noted that cooking gas prices in India remain the lowest compared to neighboring countries.

The new prices took effect on March 7.

This adjustment follows a previous increase of Rs 50 in April of last year.

In Mumbai, the cost of non-subsidised LPG is now Rs 912.50, while it stands at Rs 939 in Kolkata and Rs 928.50 in Chennai, according to the IOC.

Prices vary across states due to local sales tax or VAT.

Beneficiaries of the Ujjwala Yojana, which has provided over 10 crore poor households with free LPG connections since its inception in 2016, will continue to receive a subsidy of Rs 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 refills annually.

The price of commercial LPG, utilized by businesses such as hotels and restaurants, has been increased by Rs 114.5 for a 19-kg cylinder, bringing the total to Rs 1,883 in Delhi. This follows a prior increase of Rs 28 per 19-kg cylinder on March 1.

Overall, commercial LPG prices have surged by Rs 302.50 this year.