LPG hike: Domestic gas up ₹29/cylinder
Domestic cooking gas LPG prices have been increased by Rs 29 per 14.2-kg cylinder, according to PTI, citing sources. The price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi has risen from Rs 913 to Rs 942 with effect from June 7.The latest revision comes amid sustained volatility in international energy markets and follows a series of fuel price increases announced in recent weeks.LPG price todayMetroCurrent Price (Rs)New Price (Rs)Delhi913.00942.00Kolkata939.00968.00Mumbai912.50941.50Chennai928.50957.50LPG cylinder price rises to Rs 942 in DelhiThe increase takes the retail price of a standard 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi to Rs 942.As per the PTI report, industry sources said the revision was necessary as oil marketing companies continue to incur substantial losses on the sale of subsidised domestic cooking gas.The hike follows an earlier increase of Rs 60 per cylinder announced on March 7 after tensions and conflict in West Asia disrupted global energy supplies and pushed up international fuel prices.Why has the LPG price been increased?According to industry sources, the previous increase only partially compensated oil companies for the losses they were incurring on domestic LPG sales.Before the latest revision, state-run fuel retailers were estimated to be losing around Rs 703 on every domestic LPG cylinder sold.Global crude oil and fuel prices have remained elevated in recent months, increasing the financial burden on oil marketing companies.The latest increase is aimed at reducing a portion of those losses, although companies are reportedly still selling LPG below cost.Fuel price hikes extend beyond LPGThe LPG price revision comes as part of a broader trend of rising fuel prices across the country.Petrol and diesel prices have been increased by a cumulative Rs 7.50 per litre since mid-May, while compressed natural gas (CNG) rates have risen by around Rs 6 per kilogram.The increases reflect the impact of higher international energy prices on India's fuel market.Oil companies continue to face lossesDespite the recent price revisions, industry sources said state-owned oil marketing companies continue to absorb significant losses.Petrol is reportedly being sold at a loss of approximately Rs 11 per litre, while diesel sales are resulting in losses of around Rs 33.6 per litre.These figures highlight the pressure on fuel retailers as they attempt to balance commercial viability with concerns over inflation and consumer affordability.Government limits full pass-through of global energy costsThe government has so far avoided passing on the entire increase in global energy prices to consumers.Instead, a portion of the burden has been absorbed by state-owned fuel retailers to shield households and businesses from a sharper rise in fuel costs.However, with global crude oil prices and fuel markets continuing to fluctuate, industry observers say further adjustments may be required if international prices remain elevated for an extended period.Impact of LPG price hike on householdsThe latest increase is likely to affect household budgets, particularly for families that rely heavily on LPG for daily cooking needs.Cooking gas remains an essential household fuel across urban and rural India, and any rise in cylinder prices tends to have a direct impact on monthly expenses.Consumers will now pay Rs 942 for a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi, while prices in other cities may vary depending on local taxes and transportation costs.Global energy market remains key factorGeopolitical tensions, crude oil supply disruptions and fluctuations in global demand continue to influence energy prices worldwide.As a result, domestic fuel prices are expected to remain closely linked to international market trends in the coming months.Inputs from PTI