Domestic and commercial LPG cylinder prices have been increased from Saturday, March 7, as rising global energy costs linked to the ongoing tensions in West Asia continue to impact fuel markets. The hike marks the second revision in less than a year. Officials from the oil industry told PTI that the price adjustment follows a sharp surge in international energy rates after the military confrontation involving the United States and Israel against Iran intensified in West Asia. The increase has pushed up household and business fuel expenses across the country, reflecting the pressure global geopolitical developments are placing on India’s domestic energy pricing system.
Non-subsidised LPG cylinders used by regular households will now cost ₹913 for a 14.2-kg cylinder in Delhi, compared to the earlier price of ₹853, according to data published on the website of Indian Oil Corporation. This marks the second price rise in about 11 months, with the previous hike of ₹50 implemented in April last year. LPG rates differ from state to state due to variations in local taxes such as Value Added Tax (VAT). Under the revised pricing, consumers will pay ₹913 in Delhi, ₹912.50 in Mumbai, ₹939 in Kolkata and ₹928.50 in Chennai for a 14.2-kg cooking gas cylinder.
Despite the increase, beneficiaries of the government welfare scheme Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana will continue receiving financial support. The programme, launched in 2016, has provided free LPG connections to more than 10 crore economically weaker households across India. Eligible families will still receive a subsidy of ₹300 on every 14.2-kg cylinder for up to 12 refills annually. The continuation of this subsidy aims to ensure that cooking fuel remains affordable for low-income households even as market prices rise due to global energy fluctuations and geopolitical tensions affecting supply and demand across international fuel markets.
Commercial LPG used by businesses such as hotels, restaurants and catering establishments has also become more expensive. The price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder has been raised by ₹114.5, pushing the new rate in Delhi to ₹1,883. This increase comes shortly after another revision that raised the price by ₹28 per cylinder on March 1. Meanwhile, petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged across major Indian cities on Saturday despite a sharp rise in global crude oil prices due to the escalating conflict in West Asia. Petrol costs ₹94.77 per litre in Delhi and ₹103.54 in Mumbai, while diesel is priced at ₹87.67 and ₹90.03 respectively. Rates in Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai have also remained steady.