State-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) on Wednesday reduced the prices of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by up to Rs 183.50 across major cities, rolling back part of the increases seen in recent months amid higher global energy prices linked to the conflict in West Asia.
The revised prices came into effect on July 1 and are expected to provide relief to restaurants, hotels, catering services and other commercial establishments that rely on LPG for cooking.
The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder was reduced by Rs 183.50 in Delhi and Lucknow, Rs 181.50 in Chandigarh, Rs 174 in Kolkata and Rs 173 in Patna. Following the revision, a cylinder will cost Rs 2,930 in Delhi, Rs 2,954.50 in Chandigarh, Rs 3,081.50 in Kolkata, down from Rs 3,255.50, and Rs 3,227 in Patna.
The reduction follows a series of revisions in LPG prices this year. Commercial LPG cylinder prices were increased by Rs 111 in January and by Rs 195.50 across metropolitan cities in April amid tensions in West Asia. Domestic LPG prices were also raised by Rs 60 per cylinder on March 7 following disruptions in global energy markets linked to the conflict. Another hike in June raised the price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder by Rs 29, taking its retail price in Delhi to Rs 942 from Rs 913.
The latest cut comes after the government eased LPG supply restrictions for commercial and industrial users as fuel availability improved. It restored 50 per cent of supplies to customers whose allocations had earlier been suspended to prioritise domestic household demand.
During the US-Iran conflict, the government had directed that C3-C4 streams be used exclusively for LPG production under the Essential Commodities Act, diverting them from petrochemical and other downstream uses. It also asked OMCs to maintain comprehensive data on commercial and industrial LPG consumers to facilitate supply planning and management.
(With inputs from agencies)
