India News : Commercial LPG cylinder prices in India have witnessed a sharp increase once again, adding financial pressure on businesses that rely heavily on fuel. Oil marketing companies have raised the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by ₹194 to ₹220, effective from the first day of the month. This hike comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted global fuel supply chains.
In Ranchi, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has risen by ₹220, taking the total cost to ₹2258. Similarly, major cities across the country have also experienced significant increases. In Delhi, the price has jumped by ₹194, reaching ₹2078.50 from the earlier ₹1884.50. Mumbai saw a rise of ₹196, pushing the cost to ₹2031. Chennai recorded an increase of ₹203, making the new price ₹2246.50, while Kolkata witnessed one of the highest hikes of ₹218, taking the price to ₹2208.
Other cities have also been affected, with prices reaching ₹2201 in Lucknow, ₹2365 in Patna, ₹2031 in Jaipur, ₹2161 in Bengaluru, and ₹2321 in Hyderabad. This marks the second price hike in less than a month, following an earlier increase of ₹115 on March 7.
Despite the steep rise in commercial LPG prices, domestic LPG cylinder rates have remained unchanged, offering some relief to households. Previously, domestic cylinder prices had increased by ₹60, bringing the rates to ₹913 in Delhi, ₹939 in Kolkata, ₹912.50 in Mumbai, ₹928.50 in Chennai, and ₹970 in Jharkhand.
The impact of this price hike is expected to be felt widely, especially in the food and hospitality sector. Restaurants, hotels, roadside eateries, and small food vendors depend on commercial LPG cylinders for daily operations. With rising fuel costs, these businesses are likely to pass on the burden to consumers, resulting in higher food prices.
Experts attribute this increase to escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted crude oil and gas supply. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil transportation, has been facing disruptions, leading to a surge in international oil prices. As India relies heavily on imports, fluctuations in global markets directly affect domestic fuel prices.
Small business owners are likely to face the biggest challenges, as rising costs may reduce profit margins and strain operations. If the trend continues, it could further impact inflation and consumer spending in the coming months.
