Domestic LPG Price Hiked by Rs 29 per Cylinder: Second Increase in Three Months Amid Global Energy Pressures
New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: State-owned oil marketing companies have raised the price of domestic cooking gas (LPG) by Rs 29 per 14.2-kg cylinder across the country, effective Sunday.
This marks the second such revision in three months as retailers grapple with persistently high global energy costs triggered by geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
In Bhubaneswar, the price of a domestic cooking gas cylinder has surged to ₹968, up from the previous rate of ₹939. This mimics nationwide adjustments, which saw prices in New Delhi climb to ₹942 (from ₹913) and Kolkata match Bhubaneswar’s new rate at ₹968. Other major cities saw similar adjustments with Mumbai at Rs 941.50 and C
hennai at Rs 957.50.
The Saudi Contract Price (CP), which serves as the international benchmark for LPG pricing, has shot up roughly 46% since early February. This is the second steep adjustment consumers have absorbed recently, following a sharper ₹60-per-cylinder hike on March 7.
Industry sources indicate that even after the March hike, oil companies were incurring substantial losses, estimated at around Rs 703 per cylinder. The adjustments aim to partially offset under-recoveries on domestic sales driven by elevated international benchmark prices.
India depends heavily on foreign markets to meet its energy needs, importing nearly 40% of its crude and 90% of its LPG requirements primarily from the Gulf region.
‘Extortion From Public’
Immediately following the price hike announcement, the Congress party launched a blistering attack on the government. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the party wrote, “‘Inflation Man Modi’ has cracked the whip again. Now the domestic gas cylinder has been made 29 rupees more expensive. Modi’s formula is clear: extort from the public, fill the coffers of rich friends.”
Joining the onslaught, Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring questioned the administration’s economic track record. “This time, the LPG cylinder will cross Rs 1,000,” Warring posted. “Every family is suffering under inflation. Are these the ‘achhe din’ promised by the Modi government?”