The very first day of the new financial year brought a sharp rise in commercial cooking gas prices. Government petroleum companies have hiked the price of 19 kg commercial LPG cylinders by Rs 195.50 from April 1. In Delhi, the cylinder now costs Rs 2,078.50, up from Rs 1,883.
This hike did not happen overnight. On March 1, the cylinder was priced at Rs 1,768.50, which rose to Rs 1,883 on March 7, and has now been increased again on April 1 — a total rise of Rs 310 within a single month. Prices have risen in other cities too — Rs 2,208 in Kolkata, Rs 2,031 in Mumbai, and Rs 2,246.50 in Chennai.
On a positive note, the price of the 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder has not been changed. In Delhi, the domestic cylinder remains stable at Rs 913. However, the hike in commercial gas prices will directly impact hotels and restaurants, and eating out could become more expensive as operators pass on the increased costs to customers.
The ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel, and America in the Middle East, along with disruptions at the Hormuz Strait, has deepened the global energy crisis. The impact is clearly visible in India as well — LPG prices have now been raised twice amid the war-like situation, adding to inflationary pressure.