LPG prices jump from April 1: Commercial cylinders cost Rs 195 more, domestic rates stay unchanged

Commercial LPG cylinder prices were hiked sharply from April 1, with a 19-kg cylinder in Delhi becoming costlier by Rs 195.50, as a surge in global energy prices linked to the escalating conflict in West Asia pushed up fuel costs.

Following the revision by state-run oil marketing companies, a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder now costs Rs 2,078.50 in the national capital. This is the second consecutive monthly increase, after prices were raised by Rs 114.50 on March 1. The hike is expected to increase input costs for hotels, restaurants and small businesses that depend heavily on commercial gas supplies.

Across major cities, the revised commercial LPG rates reflect a similar upward trend, with Kolkata and Bengaluru reporting even higher prices than Delhi.

Commercial LPG cylinder prices (19-kg) in major cities

In contrast, domestic LPG prices have been left unchanged, offering relief to households already grappling with inflationary pressures. A 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder continues to retail at Rs 913 in Delhi. The last revision in household cooking gas prices was carried out on March 7, when rates were increased by Rs 60 per cylinder.

Prices remain broadly stable across major cities, although there are variations depending on local taxes and transportation costs.

Domestic LPG cylinder prices (14.2-kg) in major cities

The divergence between commercial and domestic LPG pricing highlights a calibrated approach, where the burden of rising global fuel costs is being absorbed more by businesses than households.

The latest hike comes against the backdrop of a sharp rise in global crude oil prices, which have climbed nearly 50 per cent since late February due to supply disruptions triggered by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel in West Asia. The volatility in international markets has directly impacted fuel pricing in India, as domestic rates are linked to global benchmarks and currency movements.

Oil marketing companies such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd revise LPG prices on a monthly basis, typically on the first day of each month.

The pressure is not limited to LPG alone. Aviation turbine fuel prices have also risen, reflecting the broader impact of global energy market disruptions. While earlier reports suggested a steep spike, Indian Oil clarified that jet fuel prices have increased by around 8.5 per cent, with rates in Delhi now hovering near Rs 1.04 lakh per kilolitre.

Despite the broader rise in fuel costs, petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged. In Delhi, petrol continues to be priced at Rs 94.72 per litre and diesel at Rs 87.62 per litre, following a reduction implemented last year.

Economists warn that sustained increases in commercial fuel costs could eventually feed into higher prices for food and services, as businesses pass on the added burden to consumers. With geopolitical tensions in West Asia showing little sign of easing, energy prices are expected to remain volatile, posing a continued risk to India’s inflation outlook.