In Delhi, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has been raised by Rs 42 to Rs 3,113.50. In Kolkata, the increase is steeper at Rs 53.50, taking the retail price to Rs 3,255.50.
The price revision comes amid heightened efforts by the government and oil marketing companies (OMCs) to strengthen fuel security and ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products across the country.
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Industry sources said the price of 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders has also been increased by Rs 11. Following the revision, a 5-kg FTL cylinder will cost Rs 821.50 in Delhi. The revised rates came into effect on June 1.
There has been no change in the price of domestic LPG cylinders, providing relief to household consumers at a time when global energy markets continue to remain volatile.
The latest revision follows the government’s assurance that adequate stocks of petroleum products are available and that there is no shortage of LPG, petrol or diesel in the country.Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on Friday, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the government is working to bolster energy security through strategic reserves and enhanced inventory management.
She said OMCs have been advised to maintain a minimum LPG reserve equivalent to 30 days of consumption and that efforts are underway to strengthen crude oil reserves as well.
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According to Sharma, all refineries are operating at optimum levels and domestic LPG production has reached record highs. She said inventories of key fuels remain comfortable and no instances of LPG distributors running dry have been reported.
At the same time, authorities have observed unusual spikes in fuel sales in several regions. While part of the increase is attributed to seasonal agricultural demand, bulk purchases have also contributed to higher offtake.
Government data showed overall fuel sales growth exceeding 30%, with 14 districts recording more than 100% growth in petrol sales. In contrast, six districts witnessed a decline of about 38% in sales by OMCs.
To prevent diversion and hoarding, enforcement agencies have intensified inspections. Over the past four days, around 6,500 raids were conducted involving LPG distribution networks, resulting in multiple FIRs and arrests. Separate inspections at retail fuel outlets led to the seizure of significant quantities of petrol and diesel, along with legal action against violators.
Sharma said domestic refineries are currently producing around 50-52 thousand metric tonnes of LPG per day against demand of about 72 thousand metric tonnes, with the balance being met through imports. She added that the backlog in LPG supplies has narrowed to around 4.5 days, indicating an improvement in distribution efficiency.
The increase in commercial LPG prices is expected to have a bearing on operating costs for eateries, catering businesses and other commercial users, even as household consumers remain insulated from the latest revision.