Commercial LPG spikes ₹993, mini cylinders up ₹261 as consumer fuels stay unchanged

Prices of commercial LPG saw a sharp jump on May 1, with 19-kg cylinders becoming costlier by ₹993 and five-kg Free Trade LPG (mini or “chotu”) cylinders rising by ₹261, even as key household fuels were left untouched to protect consumers.

According to data confirmed by Indian Oil Corporation, a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi now costs ₹3,071.50, while in Mumbai it is priced at ₹3,024. Mini (5-kg) cylinders are retailing at around ₹339 in Delhi, with similar pricing trends in Mumbai.

The latest revision follows a similar hike in April, reinforcing a trend of rising input costs for commercial users. Bulk and commercial LPG together account for just about 1% of total consumption, oil companies noted.

The steep increase is expected to directly impact restaurants, hotels, bakeries and other establishments dependent on commercial LPG, with industry players likely to pass on part of the burden to customers—potentially pushing up food prices in the coming weeks.

In contrast, oil marketing companies held the line on consumer-facing fuels. Retail prices of petrol, diesel and domestic LPG (14.2-kg cylinders) remained unchanged, insulating nearly 90% of fuel consumers and about 33 crore LPG users from global volatility. Kerosene distributed under the public distribution system also saw no revision.

Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) for domestic airlines was also kept steady on 01 May, with companies absorbing rising global costs. However, ATF prices for international carriers were increased in line with global benchmarks.

Overall, around 80% of petroleum products saw no change in prices, while 4% recorded a decrease. The remaining 16%—largely industrial fuels—witnessed increases, reflecting routine monthly adjustments linked to global markets.

Indian Oil Corporation said the pricing reflects a calibrated strategy to balance international cost pressures while shielding the broader population, ensuring economic stability even as selective industrial segments absorb the hikes.