Delhi shopkeepers welcome cut in 19-kg commercial LPG prices; say move brings relief
New Delhi, July 1
Shopkeepers in the national Capital on Wednesday welcomed the government's decision to reduce the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders, saying the move would bring much-needed relief to businesses already burdened by rising costs.
Following the reduction in rates, traders said the cut would ease operational expenses for small establishments, particularly in the food and hospitality sector.
Speaking to IANS, a shopkeeper said, "It is a very good decision that the prices have been reduced. It will provide a lot of relief to us..."
Another trader said, "It's a good step, and slowly it will lead us to relief, as when it was increased it was a major burden for us."
A third shopkeeper added, "It's a good step; it should decrease more, thanks to the government. All our income used to go to the cylinders; the situation was like that."
The reactions came after state-owned Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) on Wednesday reduced the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by up to Rs 183.5 across major cities, effective from July 1, providing relief to restaurants, hotels and other commercial users.
According to the revised price list, the commercial LPG cylinder price has been cut by Rs 183.5 in Delhi and Lucknow, Rs 181.5 in Chandigarh, Rs 174 in Kolkata, and Rs 173 in Patna.
Following the revision, a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi will now cost Rs 2,930, down from Rs 3,113 earlier.
In Chandigarh, the revised price stands at Rs 2,954.50, while consumers in Patna will now pay Rs 3,227 per cylinder.
In Kolkata, the price has been reduced to Rs 3,081.50, compared to the earlier Rs 3,255.50.
Officials said the revision in prices comes after a series of increases in commercial LPG rates in recent months, driven largely by rising global energy prices amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
The reduction is expected to provide some relief to restaurants, hotels, small eateries and other commercial establishments that rely heavily on LPG for daily operations, industry observers said.
State-owned OMCs review LPG prices on a monthly basis in line with international fuel trends, and further revisions depend on global crude oil movements and market conditions.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good news but it feels like a drop in the bucket when gas prices have been soaring all year. I was in Delhi last month and every restaurant I visited complained about energy costs. The government needs to stabilize fuel prices long-term, not just make minor cuts.
As a restaurant owner in Lucknow, this is very welcome. We use at least 6-7 cylinders per week for our tandoor and kitchen. Even this small cut means we save ₹1000+ monthly. Can't complain when global prices are so volatile. Well done, government! 🙏
I appreciate the step but let's be honest—₹183 off a ₹3113 cylinder is only about a 6% reduction. Meanwhile, my electricity bill and rent have gone up 20% in the last year. This is just a band-aid. We need more structural reforms to bring down energy costs for small businesses.
My brother runs a small dhaba in Delhi and he was saying prices were becoming unbearable. This decision will definitely help him and many others like him. However, I hope the government also looks at providing subsidized cylinders for roadside vendors who operate on very thin margins. 🤞
Finally some common sense policy! Restaurants and small eateries are the backbone of our economy here in Delhi. Every rupee saved helps them keep prices low for customers like me. Hope this trend continues next month too. Cheers to the oil companies for once! 😄
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