New Delhi: Commercial LPG cylinder prices saw a sharp hike on Friday, with the cost of a 19-kg cylinder rising by Rs 993, intensifying concerns over inflation and triggering strong political reactions across parties.
According to Indian Oil Corporation, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi has increased to Rs 3,071.50, while in Mumbai it now costs Rs 3,024. Prices of 5-kg mini or “chotu” cylinders have also gone up by Rs 261. However, rates of domestic LPG cylinders (14.2 kg), petrol, diesel and kerosene have been kept unchanged, as per an official release, shielding household consumers from immediate impact.
The steep rise in commercial LPG rates is expected to directly affect restaurants, hotels, bakeries and small food businesses that depend heavily on these cylinders for daily operations. Industry trends suggest that part of the increased cost could be passed on to consumers, potentially pushing up food prices in the coming weeks.
The revision comes amid rising global energy costs linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. While aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices for domestic airlines have been kept unchanged, rates for international carriers have been increased. According to Indian Oil, nearly 80 per cent of petroleum products, including fuels used by the general public, have not seen any price change.
The price hike drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said, “I had said it – the heat of inflation would come after the elections… Today, commercial gas cylinder is Rs 993 more expensive. The biggest increase in a single day.” He added that the rise would affect small businesses and ultimately increase the cost of food.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticised the move, saying the hike would make food costlier for the common people.
Congress leader K. C. Venugopal questioned the timing of the decision, while CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat said the increase would impact workers and low-income groups. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed it a burden on the urban working class and small businesses.
Defending the move, Janata Dal (United) spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad said that despite global uncertainties, the government has tried to minimise the impact on consumers, noting that the increase remains moderate compared to international fuel price trends.
The hike follows earlier increases in March and April, taking commercial LPG prices to record levels, even as domestic fuel rates continue to remain stable for now.
