Inflation Hits Early April: Commercial Gas Becomes Costlier, Domestic LPG Unchanged

In a fresh blow to inflation at the start of the month, the price of commercial LPG cylinders has been increased by ₹195.50. The hike comes amid a sharp rise in global oil prices driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East. According to government oil companies, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi has now reached ₹2,078.50. This follows an earlier increase of ₹114.50 implemented on March 1 for the same category of cylinders. However, there has been no change in the price of domestic cooking gas. Earlier, on March 7, the price of a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder was increased by ₹60. Since then, the rates have remained stable, with the current price in Delhi standing at ₹913 per cylinder. State-run oil companies, including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum, revise LPG and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices on the first day of every month. These revisions are based on international benchmarks and currency exchange rates. The recent surge in prices is attributed to disruptions in global energy supply chains caused by ongoing conflict in the Middle East. As a result, global oil prices have risen by nearly 50 percent. This marks the third increase in LPG prices since the onset of the conflict in the region. Meanwhile, petrol and diesel prices have remained unchanged. After a reduction of ₹2 per litre in March last year, fuel prices have stayed stable. Currently, petrol is priced at ₹94.72 per litre and diesel at ₹87.62 per litre in Delhi.