In a move that will impact businesses across the country, oil marketing companies have announced a price hike for commercial LPG gas cylinders. The revision, which took effect from Sunday, February 1, has increased the cost of a 19-kilogram commercial cylinder by Rs 49.
Revised Retail Prices in Delhi
Following this adjustment, the retail price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in the national capital, Delhi, has now risen to Rs 1,740.50. It is important to note that prices for domestic LPG cylinders, which typically weigh 14.2 kg, remain unchanged at this time. This selective increase highlights the targeted nature of the revision, focusing specifically on commercial users rather than household consumers.
Context of Previous Adjustments
This latest hike comes on the heels of a more substantial increase implemented earlier. In the previous revision, oil marketing companies had raised the price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder by a significant Rs 111 across India. That adjustment elevated the Delhi price from Rs 1,580.50 to Rs 1,691.50. Together, these consecutive increases mark a distinct shift away from a period of price relief that commercial LPG users had been experiencing.
Impact on Hospitality and Service Sectors
The cumulative effect of these price hikes is expected to add considerably to the operational costs of various businesses. Hotels, restaurants, catering services, and other establishments that rely heavily on commercial cooking gas for their daily operations will likely face increased financial burdens. These sectors had recently enjoyed some easing of expenses following a series of price reductions, but the current trend suggests a reversal of that favorable phase.
Historical Price Trends
Before the recent upward adjustments, commercial LPG prices had been in a relatively moderate and declining phase. Since April 2025, rates for commercial cylinders had been reduced on six separate occasions. These reductions resulted in a cumulative decrease of Rs 223 per cylinder, providing substantial relief to commercial users. Minor rollbacks were also observed in November and December, contributing to this period of cost easing.
The current price hike, therefore, represents a significant departure from the recent trend of reductions. Industry observers are closely monitoring whether this signals the beginning of a sustained period of increasing fuel costs for commercial entities. The timing of these adjustments, amidst broader economic considerations, adds another layer of complexity for businesses already navigating various operational challenges.
