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India's 50% LPG Import Dependency Drives Commercial Cylinder Price Hike by Rs 993

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi attributed the Rs 993 increase in commercial LPG prices to India's over 50% dependency on imports and international factors. He emphasized that the Modi government has maintained stability in domestic LPG, petrol, diesel, and piped natural gas rates despite global volatility. The price hike, the third since February's Iran conflict escalation, raises commercial cylinder costs to over Rs 3,000 in major cities. This increase is expected to impact restaurants and eateries, potentially leading to higher dining costs for consumers.

Key Points: India LPG Price Hike: 50% Import Dependency Blamed

  • Commercial LPG price hiked by Rs 993 per cylinder
  • Over 50% of India's LPG is imported, says Minister
  • Domestic LPG, petrol, diesel rates kept unchanged
  • Third price increase since Iran conflict escalation in February
2 min read

'International problem, 50 pc LPG dependency on import,' says Pralhad Joshi as commercial LPG price hiked

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi says over 50% LPG dependency on import causes price rise. Commercial LPG up Rs 993; domestic rates unchanged.

"That is an international problem and more than 50 per cent of our LPG dependency is there on import. - Pralhad Joshi"

New Delhi, May 2

Reacting to the Rs 993 increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday said the rise is due to global factors, and more than 50 per cent of India's LPG dependency is on import.

Speaking to reporters Joshi said: "That is an international problem and more than 50 per cent of our LPG dependency is there on import. And because of that, only at present, we are in difficulties."

He added that the government has maintained stability in key fuel prices despite global volatility, noting that the Narendra Modi government has kept domestic LPG, petrol, diesel, and piped natural gas rates unchanged till now.

"Modi government has maintained the price of petrol, diesel and domestic LPG as it is, and even LNG that is piped natural gas, but this is an inevitable thing that's why this happened," he added.

Meanwhile in Bihar, BJP leader Ram Kripal Yadav also remarked on the increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices, saying, "...The country is facing difficulties due to the ongoing war, not only our nation but many countries around the world are dealing with major challenges. The government is closely monitoring the situation and is ensuring that consumers do not face unnecessary hardships while taking decisions accordingly."

Despite mounting pressure to raise fuel prices amid disruption linked to tensions around Iran, the government has decided to keep domestic LPG rates unchanged. The minister added that the Modi government has maintained prices of petrol, diesel, and domestic LPG, as well as piped natural gas, despite global volatility.

However, the price of commercial LPG (19-kg cylinder) has been increased by an average of Rs 993. In Delhi, commercial LPG cylinders now cost Rs 3,071.50, up from Rs 2,078.50 earlier. In Mumbai, prices have risen from Rs 2,031 to Rs 3,024.

This marks the third increase in commercial LPG prices since February 28, when the Iran conflict escalated. The first hike of Rs 144 was implemented in March, followed by another increase of nearly Rs 200 on April 1.

The repeated price revisions are expected to significantly impact restaurants, eateries, and other commercial establishments that depend heavily on LPG for daily operations. Industry observers note that food businesses may pass on the additional cost to consumers, potentially making dining out and food delivery more expensive in the coming weeks.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
At least they kept domestic LPG unchanged – that's some relief for housewives like my mother. But commercial users will suffer. The hotel industry is already struggling after COVID. Hope the government finds alternative sources soon. 🙏
V
Vikram M
Import dependency is a serious issue. We have so much potential for renewable energy and natural gas within India, yet we keep importing. A 50% import reliance on something as basic as LPG is a national security risk. Need more investment in domestic production. 🇮🇳
R
Robert G
As someone who runs a small dhaba, this is devastating. Our margins were already thin. The government says they're ensuring we don't face hardships, but a 50% increase in cylinder cost is a big hardship for us. We might have to reduce portion sizes or increase prices, and neither is good for our customers. 😞
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Nitin Z
Respect to Joshi ji for his honesty – at least he admitted it's an international problem unlike some who try to hide it. But I wish they would also explain long-term plans. Are we moving towards solar or biogas for commercial use? Or we'll just keep hiking prices forever? 🤔
S
Swati Y
Interesting how they kept domestic prices stable – that's smart politics for sure. But commercial LPG being hiked so much feels like a hidden tax on small businesses. The dabbawalas and street vendors will struggle. Modi government should consider subsidizing commercial LPG for small enterprises. 💪

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