A sharp increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices has been announced from May 1, with the cost of a 19 kg cylinder being raised by Rs 993. The revision has pushed the price of a standard commercial LPG cylinder to Rs 3,071.50 in Delhi and Rs 3,024 in Mumbai. The increase has been introduced at a time when energy costs are being influenced by rising global market pressures and the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
The latest hike is expected to place additional financial pressure on restaurants, hotels, caterers, food vendors and small businesses that depend on commercial LPG for daily operations. Since cooking gas forms a major part of operating expenses in the food service sector, the increase may affect margins and could eventually be reflected in menu prices or service costs.
No change has been made in the price of domestic LPG cylinders. Household consumers using 14.2 kg cylinders have therefore been protected from the immediate impact of the latest international fuel price movement. Retail prices of petrol and diesel have also been kept unchanged, indicating that domestic consumers have largely been insulated from recent volatility.
The 5 kg Free Trade LPG cylinder has also become more expensive, with its price being increased by Rs 261 from May 1. These smaller cylinders, often known as “chhotu” cylinders, were introduced to serve migrant workers, people without local address proof, consumers with lower gas requirements and small establishments with limited storage space.
Commercial LPG prices have been rising steadily this year. Before the latest hike, the price had already been increased by Rs 196 in April, Rs 114.5 on March 7 and Rs 28 on March 1. Since January 1, commercial cylinder rates have risen by Rs 1,491, marking a major cost escalation for businesses.
Indian Oil Corporation has confirmed the revision and stated that prices of bulk diesel and aviation turbine fuel for international airline operations have also been adjusted upward. At the same time, some petroleum products have seen a downward revision. The pricing approach has been described as balanced, with oil marketing companies attempting to align with global trends while protecting household consumers and supporting economic stability.