Indian consumers are grappling with rising fuel expenses as the prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) continue to climb across major cities. Delhi saw a notable increase in the cost of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder, which went up by ₹29 to ₹942 on June 7, following an earlier price of ₹913.
This latest adjustment represents the second hike in domestic LPG prices within three months, primarily attributed to a surge in global energy costs and mounting pressure on state-owned fuel retailers. The government has cited international price surges, particularly linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, as a major factor. The Saudi Contract Price, a benchmark for India’s LPG import costs, has reportedly increased by approximately 46 percent since February due to supply disruptions in the Gulf region.
Impact on Households and Government Measures
The price revisions come alongside other measures affecting consumers, including a reduction in the number of subsidised cylinders available annually to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, from nine to four. Industry sources indicate that the recent domestic LPG price rise only partially offsets losses incurred by oil marketing companies, which were estimated to be around ₹703 on each cylinder before the revision.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri affirmed that India faces no energy shortage, stating that the supply situation for crude oil, LPG, and natural gas remains comfortable. He highlighted an increase in domestic LPG production, which has risen from 32,000 metric tonnes to 54,000 metric tonnes daily, significantly reducing import dependence. Puri also noted that the country maintains a substantial LPG stock, sufficient for 75-80 days.
Separately, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi described the price increases as unavoidable given the global scenario, pointing to limited LPG sources and procurement and transportation challenges, including higher costs due to extended trans-shipment times.
Current Fuel Rates Across Major Cities (June 15)
Here are the latest prices for various fuels:
- 14.2 kg Domestic LPG Cylinder:
- Delhi: ₹942
- Bengaluru: ₹944.50
- Hyderabad: ₹994
- Mumbai: ₹941.50
- Chennai: ₹957.50
- Kolkata: ₹968
- 19 kg Commercial LPG Cylinder:
- Delhi: ₹3,113.50
- Bengaluru: ₹3,198
- Hyderabad: ₹3,367
- Mumbai: ₹3,067.50
- Chennai: ₹3,283
- Kolkata: ₹3,255.50
- CNG (per kg):
- Delhi: ₹83.09
- Bengaluru: ₹95
- Hyderabad: ₹97
- Mumbai: ₹86
- Chennai: ₹96
- Kolkata: ₹93.50
- PNG (per SCM):
- Delhi: ₹47.90
- Bengaluru: ₹52
- Hyderabad: ₹51
- Mumbai: ₹50
- Chennai: ₹50
- Kolkata: ₹50
The government maintains that it is actively working to strengthen fuel reserves and manage domestic supplies to protect consumers from undue hardship, while also encouraging LPG connection holders to transition to piped natural gas where available.