New Delhi: PSU fuel retailers took a step on Friday to decrease the prices of 19-kg liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders utilized for commercial purposes, marking a reduction of Rs 39.50 per cylinder due to the decline in fuel rates in the global markets. The latest pricing data from the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) indicates that non-subsidized 19-kg commercial gas cylinders, commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and industrial applications, will now be priced at Rs1,757 in Delhi, Rs1,868.50 in Kolkata, Rs1,710 in Mumbai, and Rs1,929 in Chennai. Local levies contribute to the variation in fuel prices across different locations.
Despite the unchanged prices of subsidized 14.2-kg LPG cylinders, primarily used for household cooking, the international reduction in fuel prices will proportionately alleviate the government’s subsidy burden. Subsidized 14.2-kg LPG cylinders are currently available at Rs903 each for general customers in New Delhi, while qualifying poor households under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) can obtain them at Rs603 per cylinder.
The Union cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 29, implemented a RS200 reduction in the price of 14.2-kg cooking gas cylinders for all 316.4 million customers. Additionally, the subsidy of ₹200 per refill was extended to over 96 million impoverished households under the Ujjwala Yojana. Starting from May 21, 2022, the government has been providing budgetary support for a targeted subsidy of Rs200 per 14.2-kg LPG cylinder for PMUY beneficiaries, covering up to 12 refills annually for the fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24. Subsequently, from October 5, 2023, the government increased the targeted subsidy to Rs300 per 14.2-kg LPG cylinder for all PMUY beneficiaries.
Minister of State for Petroleum Rameswar Teli informed the Lok Sabha on December 14 that over 60% of India’s domestic LPG consumption is imported, and the price of LPG in the country is linked to its international market price. The government continues to adjust the effective consumer price for domestic LPG based on this linkage.
