INC ignores global surge, plays politics over commercial LPG price hike; here's what the rates are as on May 2 across India

On Friday, May 1, the central government approved the steepest hike in the prices of commercial LPG cylinders and 5 kg gas cylinders. This is amid rising global energy costs triggered by ongoing tensions in West Asia. However, there has been no change in the price of domestic LPG cylinders used by households.

 

The price of commercial LPG (19 kg cylinders), widely used by hotels and restaurants, has increased by an average of Rs 993. In Delhi, rates have jumped from Rs 2,078.50 to Rs 3,071.50, while in Mumbai, prices have risen from Rs 2,031 to Rs 3,024. Similarly, the cost of 5 kg market-priced LPG cylinders has surged from Rs 549 to Rs 810.50.

 

 

 

 

However, the centre confirmed that the rates of domestic LPG, petrol, and diesel, and also the aviation turbine fuel (ATF) used for domestic airlines, would remain unchanged, a move expected to offer relief to carriers and prevent any immediate rise in domestic conveyances.

 

 

 

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said, “Retail pump prices of Petrol, Diesel, and domestic LPG (14.2 kg cylinders meant for regular household use) have been kept unchanged,” adding that price revisions are limited to select commercial and industrial segments.

 

Instead of understanding the global crisis, the Congress attempted to play politics over the matter and said that PM Modi was a "Price Hike Man." Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari criticised the increase in LPG and said that the Centre has burdened citizens with rising inflation and timed the hike after elections. "Their speed of inflation is going above all the missiles. I want to say that today the price of the cylinder has increased by almost Rs 1000. And the price, which was in January, has doubled today; it has reached above Rs 3000," he said.

 

He also questioned the timing of the hike and alleged that the BJP-led centre waited until the Bengal elections concluded, then increased the price. Rahul Gandhi also commented on the issue and indicated that the heat of inflation would come after the elections. "Today, a commercial gas cylinder is ₹993 more expensive. The biggest increase in a single day. This is the election bill. From February till now: Rs 1,380 increase - a whopping 81% jump in just 3 months. Tea stall, dhaba, hotel, bakery, sweet shop - the burden on everyone's kitchen has increased. And this will affect your plate too. First strike on gas, next strike on petrol-diesel.

 

 

 

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi, meanwhile, clarified the decision, saying global energy prices must be considered. “Please check other parts of the world on how much prices have risen there. We could withhold to this extent,” he said.

 

 

 

It is important to note that the global oil prices have surged by nearly 50% as supply chains face disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Escalating tensions and stalled negotiations among major nations have further driven up prices, increasing pressure on domestic fuel pricing decisions.

The steep hike in commercial LPG rates is likely to raise operating costs for restaurants, hotels, and small businesses. This, in turn, may lead to higher food prices, indirectly impacting consumers even though domestic LPG prices remain unchanged.