Prices of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders and five-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders (popularly known as chotu or mini cylinders) were increased by Rs 993 and Rs 261 respectively on Friday, news agency ANI reported. Confirming the prices of bulk and commercial LPG cylinders, the Indian Oil Corporation noted that these cylinders make up 1% of their network’s total consumption.
In Delhi, a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder will now cost Rs 3,071.50 while in Mumbai it will cost Rs 3,024. Mini (5 kg) domestic cylinders are priced at around Rs 339 in Delhi, with similar small-cylinder pricing trends in Mumbai.
This hike in prices follows a similar hike last month, when state-owned oil companies increased prices of both 19-kg commercial cylinders and 5-kg mini cylinders.
The sharp increase in the 19 kg cylinder will directly impact restaurants, hotels, bakeries and other establishments that rely on commercial LPG for daily operations. Industry players often pass on part of the increased cost to consumers, which could reflect in food and dining prices in the coming weeks.
Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices for domestic airlines remained unchanged on Friday, as state-owned oil companies decided to absorb the rise in global fuel prices to protect airlines and consumers, Indian Oil said.
Retail prices of petrol, diesel and domestic LPG cylinders have also been kept steady, insulating consumers from international price volatility. In a statement, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) said there has been no rate revision in key fuels affecting the general public.
ATF prices are revised on the first of every month based on input costs. While no change has been made in rates for domestic airlines, prices for international carriers have been increased.
IOC said retail prices of petrol and diesel remained unchanged for consumers, who account for nearly 90 per cent of total consumption. Similarly, prices of domestic LPG (14.2-kg cylinders) for about 33 crore consumers have not been altered. Prices of kerosene distributed under the public distribution system (PDS) also remained unchanged.
Overall, around 80 per cent of petroleum products have seen no change in prices, ensuring stability for the majority of consumers, the statement said.
