Key Highlights
- Price Hike: 19-kg commercial cylinder cost increased by ₹993 in Delhi.
- New Rate: The commercial cylinder is now priced at ₹3,071.50.
- Domestic Impact: 14.2-kg domestic cylinder prices remain unchanged at ₹913.
- Global Factor: Surge attributed to West Asia tensions and Strait of Hormuz supply disruptions.
- New Rules: Mandatory OTP-based delivery and a 25-day booking gap for urban users.
In a significant blow to the hospitality and catering sectors, state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) announced a steep increase in the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders. Effective Friday, May 1, 2026, the price in the national capital has jumped from ₹2,078.50 to ₹3,071.50. This represents the sharpest single-day hike in recent history, following a series of incremental increases throughout March and April.
While the commercial sector faces escalating costs, the government has opted to keep the prices of domestic 14.2-kg cylinders stable at ₹913. This move is seen as an effort to insulate households from the volatility of the global energy market, even as commercial fuel costs cross the ₹3,000 mark for the first time.
Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain Disruptions
The primary driver behind this surge is the intensifying conflict in West Asia, which has significantly disrupted global energy supply chains. Concerns over a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas passes, have sent international benchmarks soaring.
India, which imports approximately 60% of its LPG requirements, is particularly vulnerable to these disruptions. With nearly 90% of those imports originating from West Asian nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the current regional instability has forced OMCs to align domestic commercial rates with the rising cost of international procurement.
Operational Changes and Refill Restrictions
Beyond the price adjustment, new regulatory measures have come into effect today to manage supply and curb black marketing.
- Booking Gap: Urban consumers can now only book a refill after a 25-day gap, up from the previous 21-day window. In rural areas, this gap has been extended to 45 days.
- OTP Delivery: A Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) is now mandatory for all LPG deliveries. Customers must provide the OTP sent to their registered mobile numbers to the delivery agent to receive their cylinder.
- Aadhaar eKYC: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries are now required to complete Aadhaar-based biometric eKYC to continue receiving subsidized benefits.
City-Wise Price Comparison
The price hike has been implemented nationwide, with variations across major metros due to local taxes and logistics:
- Kolkata: Prices rose by ₹1,147, bringing the new rate to ₹3,355.
- Mumbai: The new price stands at ₹3,046.50 following a hike of over ₹1,015.
- Chennai: A ₹1,013 increase brings the commercial cylinder price to ₹3,259.50.
Despite the hike in commercial gas and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) for international carriers, retail prices for petrol and diesel remain unchanged, providing some relief to the general public amidst the broader energy crisis.
