Oil marketing companies have dealt a major blow to commercial LPG consumers with the beginning of May 2026. The price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder has been increased by a record Rs 993. Following this massive increase, the price of commercial gas cylinders has reached historic highs in various metropolitan cities across the country. However, a relief for ordinary consumers is that the price of a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder has remained unchanged. This decision by the government and oil companies will not put any additional burden on the monthly budget of middle-class families, but the impact of this price increase is likely to be widespread in the commercial sector.
This increase in commercial gas prices will directly impact restaurants, hotels, dhabas, and small food vendors. Trade associations have expressed concern over this increase, saying that due to rising costs, they may be forced to increase food prices. The price of a commercial cylinder in Delhi has now reached nearly ₹2,700, while prices have risen proportionately in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. According to oil companies, this step was necessitated by the volatility in international crude oil prices and rising import costs. By excluding domestic cylinders from this scope, the government has taken into account electoral and social sensitivities.
Market experts believe that the increase in commercial gas prices could increase inflationary pressures in the logistics and service sectors. LPG prices have been fluctuating for the past few months, but this is one of the biggest single-month increases ever. Consumer affairs experts say that if international oil prices do not stabilize, pressure on domestic gas prices may also increase in the future. For now, domestic consumers across the country have breathed a sigh of relief, while commercial establishments are considering new strategies to balance their operating costs.
