The uncertainty follows remarks by United States President Donald Trump, who called off peace talks in Islamabad and urged Iran to initiate fresh negotiations. The ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has severely impacted the movement of LPG and crude oil, triggering supply constraints across multiple nations. India, which imports more than 90 percent of its LPG and 40 percent of its crude oil from West Asian countries, is particularly vulnerable to these disruptions.
While there has been no official announcement regarding revised LPG rates, industry trends indicate that Oil Marketing Companies typically adjust prices at the beginning of each month. The global crude oil market remains volatile, further fueling expectations of a price hike.
Recent pricing data reflects mounting pressure on consumers and businesses alike. In Chandigarh, the price of a domestic LPG cylinder stands at Rs 922.50, while a 19-kilogram commercial cylinder is priced at Rs 1,904.50. In Hyderabad, domestic cylinders cost Rs 965, and commercial cylinders are being sold at Rs 2,105.50. Notably, the price of the standard 14.2-kilogram domestic LPG cylinder has increased by Rs 60 across all cities, while commercial cylinders have witnessed a uniform hike of Rs 144.
The repeated increase in commercial cylinder prices has dealt a significant blow to restaurants and eateries, which rely heavily on cooking gas for daily operations. The financial strain on the hospitality sector continues to deepen as operational costs rise.
In response to supply challenges, the government has introduced a series of regulatory measures aimed at ensuring stable availability of cooking gas. Authorities have enforced strict distribution norms to maintain equitable access to 14.2-kilogram cylinders nationwide. In urban areas, the lock-in period between cylinder bookings has been extended to 25 days to prevent excessive consumption and panic buying.
Further tightening controls, the central government implemented stricter regulations in rural regions on March 12. The interval between cylinder bookings has been increased to 45 days, a move designed to manage limited supplies more effectively among village populations.
As geopolitical instability continues to ripple through global energy markets, the potential revision of LPG prices on May 1 remains a critical concern. The situation underscores the fragile balance between international developments and domestic energy security, with far-reaching implications for households and industries alike.
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