Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 1: Commercial LPG cylinder prices have been increased across the country by Rs 42 to Rs 53.50 per cylinder with effect from Monday, amid the Centre's efforts to strengthen fuel security and build larger reserves following supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia.

The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi has been raised by Rs 42, taking the retail price to Rs 3,113.50. In Kolkata, the hike is steeper at Rs 53.50, pushing the price to Rs 3,255.50 per cylinder.

The revised rates apply only to commercial LPG cylinders used by hotels, restaurants and other businesses. There has been no change in the price of domestic cooking gas cylinders.

The price of a 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinder has also been increased by Rs 11 and will now cost Rs 821.50 in Delhi.

The latest revision comes as the Centre reviews India's fuel security strategy after disruptions in energy supplies from West Asia exposed the country's heavy dependence on imported fuel.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the government has directed state-run oil marketing companies to maintain LPG reserves equivalent to at least 30 days of demand.

“Regarding strategic reserves, we are working on the strategic reserves also. We have asked the oil marketing companies to work out that the LPG reserve should be a minimum of 30 days with them and they are working on it,” Sharma said during an inter-ministerial briefing.

The move follows disruptions in supplies from the Gulf region, which accounts for nearly 90 per cent of India's LPG imports, 65 per cent of natural gas imports and around 40 per cent of crude oil imports.

The government, however, asserted that there is no shortage of fuel in the country.

“We have sufficient stock of petrol, diesel, LPG, natural gas and crude inventories are tied up. All our refineries are operating at optimum levels and LPG production is at an all-time high,” Sharma said.

She noted that domestic refineries currently produce around 50,000 to 52,000 tonnes of LPG daily against a demand of nearly 72,000 tonnes, with the remaining requirement being met through imports.

The Centre has also stepped up action against fuel hoarding and black marketing. According to Sharma, more than 6,500 raids have been conducted on LPG operations in recent days, leading to multiple FIRs and arrests.

Officials said the government is exploring the expansion of crude oil storage facilities while advising states and Union Territories to remain vigilant against fuel hoarding amid increased demand in several regions.

State-run fuel retailers — Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) — have been asked to prepare plans for additional LPG storage infrastructure to strengthen the country's preparedness against future supply disruptions.