In a fresh move that affects millions of households across India, the Union government has announced a ₹50 hike in the price of domestic LPG cylinders. Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed the development on Monday, stating that the revised prices apply to both subsidised and general consumers. As a result, general users in the national capital will now pay ₹853 for a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder, while Ujjwala beneficiaries – under the scheme that offers free LPG connections to economically weaker sections – will pay ₹553, up from ₹503. This marks the first upward revision in over a year, with the last adjustment in March 2024 seeing a ₹100 price cut.

LPG prices vary across states due to differences in local tax rates, and the impact of this hike will reflect accordingly in different regions. Meanwhile, commercial LPG cylinder prices, used primarily by restaurants and hotels, were reduced by ₹41 last week, offering slight relief to the hospitality sector. The contrast in pricing adjustments underscores the government’s strategy to balance household affordability with commercial demand.

Adding to the economic shift, the central government has also raised excise duties on petrol and diesel – ₹13 per litre for petrol and ₹10 per litre for diesel. However, this hike will not affect consumers directly as oil marketing companies will absorb the burden. The decision comes amidst a global drop in crude oil prices, allowing the government to offset the duty hike against the reduced international rates, thereby maintaining stability in retail fuel prices. These changes will come into effect from April 8, 2025.