The ongoing conflict in West Asia has led to a sharp increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices in Hyderabad, with rates being hiked three times since the US-Iran-Israel war began. The price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder now stands at ₹3,315. The latest increase, effective from May 1, pushed the cost of a 47.5 kg commercial cylinder to ₹8,282.50.
Domestic LPG Prices Also Rise
Domestic LPG cylinder prices have also seen a hike of ₹60 for a 14.2 kg cylinder in March 2026, following supply disruptions caused by the conflict. This has driven the price of non-subsidised cylinders to ₹965 in Hyderabad.
Cooking Oil Prices on the Boil
Cooking oil prices have surged by up to ₹30 per litre over the past two to three months, as the war forced rerouting of shipping routes and escalated freight costs. The conflict has primarily impacted supplies of sunflower oil, palm oil, and soybean oil, for which India is heavily dependent on imports.
Sunflower Oil Supply Disrupted
Wholesale traders report that tensions in West Asia have severely disrupted sunflower oil supply, sending prices soaring. Most sunflower oil consumed in India is imported from Ukraine and Russia. Southern states are feeling the pinch more, as they account for an estimated 70% of India's total sunflower oil consumption. Sunflower oil has risen from ₹180 to ₹200 per litre, while palm oil has shot up from ₹120 to ₹145 per litre. Groundnut oil has increased by ₹15 to ₹20 per litre, with a five-litre bottle rising from ₹1,000 to ₹1,150, and a 15-litre tin (wholesale) going up from ₹2,300 to ₹2,400.
Other Oils Also Affected
- Rice bran oil: increased from ₹150 to ₹165 per litre.
- Vanaspati oil: risen from ₹130 to ₹160 per litre.
- Soybean oil: from ₹150 to ₹170 per litre.
- Mustard oil: from ₹130 to ₹160 per litre.
Impact on Common Man
Already reeling from the jump in cooking gas prices, the soaring cooking oil prices have blown a bigger hole in the budgets of the common man, with the pinch being felt harder by poor and middle-class families. Unable to bear the burden, many consumers are switching from pricey sunflower oil to relatively cheaper rice bran oil and soybean oil, according to market sources.
Market sources note that while cooking oil manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers are protecting their profits thanks to inventory of old stock, the prices remain a burden for the common man. Venkatesh M, a Hayatnagar resident and private sector employee with two children, said, "In a single income family, even the smallest hike in price is burdensome. The authorities should ensure prices are kept under control." They added that unless the war subsides and supply systems return to normal, the flames of oil price hikes will continue to burn a hole in the pockets of the common man.
