NEW DELHI – As of July 20, 2026, the prices for domestic LPG cylinders, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) across India's major cities have held steady for over a month. However, this stability contrasts sharply with a volatile international energy market, where crude oil prices have surged due to intensifying conflict between the United States and Iran.
Brent crude futures climbed past $90 a barrel, reaching their highest level since June 11, following a 15.9% increase last week. Similarly, US West Texas Intermediate crude rose to $84.68 a barrel. The spike is directly linked to a ninth consecutive night of US attacks against Iran, coupled with reported Iranian strikes on US allies Kuwait and Bahrain. Both nations have targeted shipping in the critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for one-fifth of global oil trade.
Global Energy Crisis Looms
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, has warned of a potential global energy crisis if oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz do not resume soon. Vessel crossings have sharply declined due to worsening regional security, impacting economies worldwide, particularly in Asia. Developing countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India are among the hardest hit, facing increased energy costs and, in some cases, a shift to less safe alternative cooking fuels.
Barclays analyst Amarpreet Singh echoed Birol's concerns, stating, "The coming days and weeks will provide a clearer picture of the sustainable level of oil exports from the region under renewed dual blockades."
Current Fuel Rates in Major Indian Cities (July 20)
While commercial LPG rates had seen recent adjustments, domestic prices for essential fuels remain unchanged for now.
14.2 kg Domestic LPG Cylinder
- Delhi: ₹942
- Mumbai: ₹941.50
- Chennai: ₹957.50
- Bengaluru: ₹944.50
- Hyderabad: ₹994
- Kolkata: ₹968
CNG Prices (per kg)
- Delhi: ₹83.09
- Mumbai: ₹86
- Chennai: ₹97
- Bengaluru: ₹97
- Hyderabad: ₹109
- Kolkata: ₹99.50
PNG Prices (per SCM)
- Delhi: ₹49.59
- Mumbai: ₹51.50
- Chennai: ₹50
- Bengaluru: ₹53
- Hyderabad: ₹51
- Kolkata: ₹50
The situation highlights the delicate balance between domestic price stability and the unpredictable nature of geopolitical events on global energy markets.