Representational file image.
| Photo Credit: E. LAKSHMI NARAYANAN

In a move that is set to impact businesses and consumers, oil marketing companies (OMCs) have announced an increase in the prices of commercial LPG gas cylinders. Effective from November 1, the retail price of the 19 Kg commercial LPG gas cylinder in Delhi will see a hike of ₹101, bringing the new rate to ₹1,833 per cylinder, according to official sources.

This price revision follows a previous increase that occurred on October 1, when public sector OMCs raised the price of 19 KG commercial LPG gas cylinders by ₹209. As a result of this adjustment, the updated price in Delhi stands at ₹1,731.50, compared to the previous month’s rate of ₹1,522.50.

Similar increases were observed in other major cities, with Kolkata witnessing a hike to ₹1,839.50, Mumbai to ₹ 1,684.00, and Chennai to ₹1,898.00 for a 19 Kg commercial LPG cylinder. The rise in prices has left business owners, particularly shopkeepers and restaurateurs deeply concerned. Shopkeepers are now urging the government to take measures to control inflation and ease the financial burden on small businesses.

Monthly revisions for both commercial and domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders occur on the first day of each month, in line with government regulations and market dynamics. In August, OMCs had taken the opposite approach, slashing the prices of commercial LPG cylinders by ₹99.75, offering some relief to businesses and consumers. The increase in commercial LPG gas cylinder prices comes as a challenge for businesses already grappling with inflation, and it emphasizes the need for policy actions to stabilize prices and support small enterprises during these trying times.

File photo of a worker unloading the LPG Cylinder.
| Photo Credit: K. PICHUMANI

State-run Oil marketing companies (OMCs) have hiked the prices of 19-kg commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders by a little over ₹200 each with effect from October 1. Prices of LPG are revised on the first of every month. 

In Chennai, the new price is ₹1,898/cylinder. It was ₹1,685 per cylinder in September. In Delhi it is now ₹1,731.50 per cylinder (it was Rs. 1522.50/bottle), it is ₹1,839.50/ cylinder in Kolkata (it was ₹1,636/cylinder) and in Mumbai it is now ₹1,684, with the price on September 1 being ₹1,482. 

A hotelier said such increases only added burden on the end consumer. Some hotels were selling a plate of two idlies at ₹105. Idlies are the most commonly consumed items on the breakfast menu and those are priced anywhere between ₹55/ plate to ₹105/plate. 

Meanwhile, auto LPG prices too have witnessed an upward revision from Sunday. The new rate is ₹53.64 per kilo, while the old rate was ₹53.64/kg. The hike is ₹6.11/kg. 

Selwin, an autorickshaw driver, said this hike was uncalled for amidst rising prices of essential commodities. “We are unable to make ends meet. Already CNG and petrol prices are quite high making LPG a better alternative due to its pricing. But if prices keep increasing then it will no longer be viable to be in the business,” he said.