Key Highlights
- Sharp Hike: Prices for 19-kg commercial cylinders increased by up to ₹218 per unit.
- Metro Impact: Rates in major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai have all breached the ₹2,000 threshold.
- Domestic Status: While commercial rates spiked, 14.2-kg domestic cylinder prices remain unchanged this month.
- Geopolitical Crisis: Ongoing hostilities involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel have severely restricted energy supply routes.
April 1, 2026, brought a significant inflationary blow to India’s hospitality and catering sectors. Oil marketing companies (OMCs) announced a steep revision in the prices of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders, marking the third major hike in just over a month. This latest adjustment is a direct response to the volatile global energy market, which has been reeling since the outbreak of major hostilities in the Middle East on February 28.
Following the update, the new prices for commercial cylinders in metropolitan hubs are as follows:
| City | New Price (19-kg) | Change from Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹2,078.50 | +₹195.50 |
| Kolkata | ₹2,208.00 | +₹218.00 |
| Mumbai | ₹2,031.00 | +₹196.00 |
| Chennai | ₹2,246.50 | +₹203.00 |
This surge is expected to substantially increase operating costs for hotels, restaurants, and small-scale eateries, potentially leading to higher food prices for consumers.
Geopolitical Tensions and the Strait of Hormuz
The primary driver behind this price explosion is the escalating conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Following the initiation of “Operation Epic Fury” in late February, the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, has seen an effective halt in regular shipping traffic.
India is particularly vulnerable to these disruptions as it imports approximately 80% to 85% of its LPG requirements, with the vast majority sourced from Middle Eastern nations like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. With the primary transit route compromised, OMCs are being forced to source fuel through longer, more expensive alternative routes, significantly driving up landed costs.
Status of Domestic Cooking Gas
In a minor reprieve for households, the prices of 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinders were not increased on April 1. However, the relief is relative, as consumers are still grappling with the ₹60 hike implemented on March 7, 2026.
Current domestic rates remain at ₹913 in Delhi, ₹939 in Kolkata, ₹912.50 in Mumbai, and ₹928.50 in Chennai. Industry experts warn that if the Middle East crisis persists and the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, even domestic prices may face upward pressure in the coming months to offset the growing under-recoveries faced by oil companies.
