New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Businesses dependent on commercial cooking gas will see their expenses increase after oil companies announced a fresh hike in commercial LPG cylinder prices from June 1. The revision raises the cost of a 19-kg commercial cylinder by Rs 42, affecting restaurants, hotels, roadside eateries and catering services across the country.
In the national capital, the revised price of a commercial LPG cylinder now stands at Rs 3,113.50, up from Rs 3,071.50. The increase comes at a time when many food businesses are already navigating rising operational costs, including transportation, raw materials and labour expenses.
Despite the upward revision for commercial consumers, there is no change in the price of domestic cooking gas cylinders. Households will continue to pay the existing rate for the 14.2-kg LPG cylinder, offering relief to millions of families who depend on LPG for everyday cooking.
Industry representatives say repeated fluctuations in commercial fuel prices can impact small and medium-sized food businesses more significantly than larger establishments. While many operators may initially absorb the additional cost, prolonged increases could eventually influence menu pricing and service charges.
Commercial LPG rates are revised periodically in line with international energy trends and market conditions. The latest increase follows a series of adjustments witnessed over recent months as global fuel markets continue to experience volatility.
For consumers, the unchanged domestic LPG rates come as a welcome development, particularly amid concerns over household budgets and inflation. However, businesses that rely on commercial cylinders are expected to closely watch future revisions as fuel remains one of their major recurring expenses.
The latest price adjustment highlights the differing impact of energy costs on households and commercial users. While families have been spared an immediate increase, the hospitality and food service sectors will have to factor the higher LPG rates into their operating costs moving forward.
