In a major blow to the hospitality and industrial sectors, state-owned Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have hiked the price of commercial LPG cylinders by ₹195.50 with immediate effect. The revision, which took place this morning, is a direct result of the cascading energy crisis triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict.
While businesses face a significant spike, the government has notably kept the price of domestic (14.2 kg) cooking gas unchanged, providing a critical shield for household budgets.
1. New Rates Across Metro Cities (19-kg Cylinder)
Following the ₹195.50 increase, the retail price for a commercial cylinder has breached the ₹2,000 mark in all major metropolitan areas.
| City | New Price (April 1, 2026) | Old Price (March 2026) |
| Delhi | ₹2,078.50 | ₹1,883.00 |
| Mumbai | ₹2,031.00 | ₹1,835.50 |
| Kolkata | ₹2,208.00 | ₹2,012.50 |
| Chennai | ₹2,246.50 | ₹2,051.00 |
Note: In some markets like Hyderabad, the hike was reported as high as ₹214.50, taking the local price to ₹2,321.
2. The “Saudi Contract” Shock
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) clarified that the hike was inevitable due to a massive surge in international benchmarks.
- Saudi CP Spike: The Saudi Contract Price (the global benchmark for LPG) surged by 44% in just 30 days, jumping from $542/MT in March to $780/MT for April.
- Hormuz Blockade: The Ministry noted that 20–30% of global LPG supplies are currently “stuck” or delayed due to the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
- 5-kg Mini Cylinders: Small businesses using the 5-kg FTL (Free Trade LPG) cylinders will also see an increase of ₹51 per refill starting today.
3. Domestic Users Remain “Insulated”
In a move to curb retail inflation for the common man, the government has maintained a “price freeze” on domestic cylinders.
- Stable Rates: The price of a 14.2 kg domestic cylinder remains at ₹913 in Delhi (following a ₹60 hike on March 7).
- PMUY Beneficiaries: Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries continue to receive their cylinders at a subsidized rate of ₹613.
- Under-Recoveries: OMCs are now incurring a staggering loss (under-recovery) of ₹380 per domestic cylinder to maintain these prices. Total losses for oil PSUs are expected to reach ₹40,484 crore by the end of May 2026.
4. Impact on Restaurants & “Gas Crisis Levies”
The ₹195 hike is expected to put immediate pressure on the food and beverage industry.
- Menu Pricing: Industry bodies warn that “eating out” could become 5–10% more expensive as restaurants pass on the fuel costs.
- Regulatory Warning: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued a cautionary note today, prohibiting hotels from imposing any unauthorized “Gas Crisis Levy” or “War Surcharge” on customer bills, labeling such charges as “unfair trade practices.”
5. Summary of Fuel Prices (April 1, 2026)
| Fuel Type | Status | Current Rate (Delhi) |
| Petrol (Regular) | 🟢 Unchanged | ₹94.77/L |
| Diesel (Regular) | 🟢 Unchanged | ₹87.67/L |
| Premium Petrol | 🔴 Hiked | ~₹106 – ₹110/L (Revised by ₹2) |
| Aviation Fuel (ATF) | 🔴 Doubled | ₹2.07 Lakh/kL (For International) |
