Shocking LPG Cylinder Prices on March 19: Unveiling Domestic & Commercial Gas Costs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru!
As the conflict in Iran enters its third week, India is grappling with a significant shortage of cooking gas, a consequence of a supply shock driven by geopolitical tensions. Despite this crisis, the Indian government maintains that the nation has sufficient crude oil supplies and refined fuel stocks to meet domestic demand.
India stands as the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, relying on West Asian countries for over 40% of its crude oil imports and a staggering 90% of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) needs. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are among the key suppliers. With the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for oil transport, facing disruptions, India has sought alternative sources to secure its crude supplies, notably turning to Russia and West African nations. However, these alternatives come at a higher cost due to escalated freight and insurance charges.
In response to the crisis, the Indian government has prioritized supplies for household kitchens, initially curtailing LPG deliveries to commercial establishments like hotels. The government has since allowed these businesses to access 20% of their LPG requirements. Amid these supply disruptions, the cost of LPG has risen, with prices for a 14.2 kg domestic cylinder going up by ₹60 and a 19 kg commercial cylinder by ₹144 in early March across major cities.
Current retail LPG prices vary across India, with New Delhi pricing a domestic cylinder at ₹913 and a commercial one at ₹1,884.50, while in Mumbai, domestic LPG is priced at ₹912.50 and commercial LPG at ₹1,836. The disparities in pricing result from local Value Added Tax (VAT) and freight charges. Interestingly, prices for beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), which provides over 10 crore gas connections to low-income households, remain unchanged despite the overall hikes.
The Indian government’s commitment to domestic fuel demand is unwavering, as highlighted by Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. “Rashtrahit Sarvopari (Nation First),” she asserted, emphasizing that domestic requirements will take precedence over requests for additional supplies from neighboring countries, including Bangladesh. “Domestic fuel demand has to be met first,” she stated, indicating that any surplus might be considered for export only after internal needs are satisfied.
In a proactive move, the Centre has pledged to boost commercial LPG supplies for states that expedite the rollout of piped gas networks, a more stable alternative to traditional LPG for both households and commercial establishments. Sharma encouraged LPG users to transition to piped natural gas (PNG) where city gas distribution networks are available, highlighting the government’s offer to increase commercial LPG supplies by 10% in fast-tracked states.
As the situation evolves, the pressure on India’s cooking fuel availability continues, prompting calls for consumers to remain calm and refrain from panic buying. Major players in the LPG sector, like BPCL, have reassured customers of their commitment to keeping supplies steady amid ongoing challenges. This landscape underscores the importance of strategic planning and adaptation in the face of global supply chain disruptions caused by conflict.
With these developments unfolding, India remains vigilant, balancing its domestic fuel demands while navigating the complexities of international geopolitics. The government’s interventions and policies will be crucial in mitigating the impact of the ongoing crisis on the nation’s cooking gas supply.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/lpg-cylinder-price-on-19-march-heres-how-much-domestic-and-commercial-gas-costs-in-delhi-mumbai-bengaluru-today-11773882880347.html
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Publish Date: 2026-03-19 08:29:00
