Indian consumers are facing updated fuel prices as of April 27, with significant changes impacting commercial LPG cylinders and ongoing concerns over supply stability. The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi has surged to ₹2,078.50, reflecting a substantial increase linked to global market dynamics.
Commercial LPG Sees Significant Hike
The hike in commercial LPG rates, particularly the ₹195.50 jump in Delhi since April 1, is directly attributed to a 44 percent rise in the Saudi Contract Price. This benchmark climbed from $542 per tonne in March to $780 per tonne in April, directly affecting import-dependent India.
- Delhi: ₹2,078.50
- Mumbai: ₹2,031.50
- Chennai: ₹2,246.50
- Kolkata: ₹2,208.50
- Bengaluru: ₹2,161
- Hyderabad: ₹2,320.50
Household LPG, CNG, and PNG Rates
While commercial rates saw a sharp increase, prices for 14.2 kg household LPG cylinders, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) also saw updates across major cities:
14.2 kg LPG Cylinder Rates (April 27)
- Delhi: ₹913
- Mumbai: ₹912.50
- Chennai: ₹928.50
- Kolkata: ₹939
- Bengaluru: ₹915.50
- Hyderabad: ₹965
CNG Prices per kg (April 27)
- Delhi: ₹77.09
- Mumbai: ₹80.50
- Chennai: ₹91.50
- Kolkata: ₹93.50
- Bengaluru: ₹88.95
- Hyderabad: ₹97
PNG Prices per SCM (April 27)
- Delhi: ₹47.89
- Mumbai: ₹50
- Chennai: ₹50
- Kolkata: ₹50
- Bengaluru: ₹52
- Hyderabad: ₹51
West Asia Conflict Impacts Supply & Consumption
The ongoing conflict in West Asia continues to cast a shadow over India's energy security, particularly for LPG, with the nation importing over 90 percent of its LPG and 40 percent of its crude oil from the region. This geopolitical instability has directly affected supply chains, leading to a noticeable decline in domestic LPG consumption.
Official data reveals a 13 percent overall drop in LPG consumption in March, totaling 2.379 million tonnes, a 12.8 percent decrease compared to the previous year. Domestic household sales of LPG fell by 8.1 percent, while non-domestic user sales plummeted by nearly 48 percent during the same period.
Government Steps to Ensure Supply
In response to the supply disruptions from key producers like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the Indian government has taken proactive measures. These include reducing LPG allocations to commercial entities such as hotels and industries to prioritize cooking gas availability for households. Furthermore, refineries have been directed to shift feedstock away from petrochemical production to boost LPG output. Efforts to accelerate the transition of more users to PNG are also underway, promoting it as a stable and convenient alternative.
Illegal Refilling Rackets Busted in Delhi
Adding to the complex fuel landscape, the Delhi Police recently dismantled multiple illegal LPG refilling and black-marketing operations across the city. Coordinated raids in areas like Mangolpuri, Jahangirpuri, Palam, and Dwarka led to the arrest of 16 individuals and the seizure of 241 cylinders. These illegal operations, which involved diverting legitimate cylinders and refilling them using makeshift equipment, posed significant safety risks in densely populated residential areas. Investigations are ongoing to uncover wider networks involved in these illicit activities.