Both domestic and commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders have become expensive since the war in West Asia began in February, causing instability in global energy markets. Domestic LPG prices have been revised once while commercial cooking gas rates have been revised twice in the last two months.
After nearly five weeks of conflict, the US and Iran have agreed to a two-week conditional ceasefire. Meanwhile, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the government is ensuring continuous availability of LPG, petrol and diesel.
Singh also said that in the last 40 days, India has ensured the evacuation of the highest number of ships from the Strait of Hormuz than any other country.
“A total of eight LPG vessels carrying approximately 340 TM (thousand metric tons), equivalent to approximately 11 days of India’s import requirements, successfully passed through the strait, enhancing the country’s energy security and supply stability,” it said.
What caused the lack of energy?
The rise in prices comes at a time of energy shortages. A key trigger was disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy route. Uncertainty around this shipping corridor globally has tightened supply and increased costs, contributing to higher LPG prices.
India imports nearly 60% of its LPG and half of its natural gas needs, with countries in West Asia supplying the bulk of these fuels. Now, with up to 90% of LPG imports cut off, the pressure has become real and imminent for the nation, Mint had earlier reported.
The increase in LPG prices to date
The government has hiked the cost of both domestic and commercial LPG cylinders amid supply disruptions.
The price of a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder has increased significantly ₹60 in March. however, no rate revisions have been introduced since then, keeping domestic LPG prices stable across the country.
Meanwhile, the price of a 19 kg LPG cylinder was first increased by ₹144 in March, followed by another hike of approx ₹200 on 1st April. increasing costs for restaurants, hotels and others.
Citi-wise updated domestic and commercial LPG prices on April 10
CityDomestic (14.2 Kg)Commercial (19 Kg)New Delhi ₹913.00 ₹2,078.50 ( +194.00 )Kolkata ₹939.00 ₹2,208.50 ( +220.00 ) Mumbai ₹912.50 ₹2,031.00 ( +195.00 )Chennai ₹928.50 ₹2,246.50 ( +203.00 )Gurgaon ₹921.50 ₹2,096.50 ( +195.00 )Noida ₹910.50 ₹2,078.50 ( +194.00 )Bengaluru ₹915.50 ₹2,161.00 ( +203.00 ) Bhubaneswar ₹939.00 ₹2,245.00 ( +216.00 )Chandigarh ₹922.50 ₹2,099.50 (+195.00) Hyderabad ₹965.00 ₹2,320.50 (+215.00) Jaipur ₹916.50 ₹2,106.00 ( +193.00 ) Lucknow ₹950.50 ₹2,201.00 ( +194.00 )Patna ₹1,002.50 ₹2,353.50 (+220.00)
The recent changes in commercial LPG prices are part of the monthly price update by the state-run oil marketing companies, which include Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum. These companies regularly adjust ATF and LPG cylinder rates based on price movements in international energy markets.
Global oil prices have shot up nearly 50% since the start of the war due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, causing energy shortages, especially for import-dependent countries.
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Meanwhile, Indian industry is increasingly exploring alternative energy solutions such as reusing LPG and switching to other fuel sources to manage costs in the current situation, Sanjiv Puri, chairman and managing director of ITC Limited, told PTI.
How can customers reserve an LPG cylinder?
Officials informed people that the restrictions on LPG reservation intervals, 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas, are in place to ensure fair distribution among consumers and prevent hoarding.
For smoother delivery, the government has made the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system mandatory and consumers have been advised to use digital platforms like IVRS, SMS, WhatsApp and online portals to book LPG refills.
Officials also urged consumers not to panic while assuring them that fuel and LPG supplies would remain stable and sufficient.
