In its monthly revision of fuel prices, the government on Friday increased the cost of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by Rs 21 while slashing jet fuel prices for the second consecutive month.
The hike takes the price of the 19-kg commercial cylinder to Rs 1,775.50, from Rs 1,796.50 previously. However, the rates of 5-kg and 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinders remain unchanged at Rs 503 and Rs 903 respectively in Delhi.
This is the third upward revision in commercial LPG rates since October, further burdening restaurants, eateries, and other establishments. Rates were first cut by Rs 100 per cylinder in August and then by Rs 158 in September before the hike cycle began.
Simultaneously, Oil Marketing Companies reduced Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices by 4.6 percent, bringing them down from Rs 1,11,345 per kilolitre to Rs 1,06,156 in the national capital.
Commercial LPG and ATF do not fall under government regulation, so oil marketing firms Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL revise their rates on the 1st of every month based on global benchmarks.
The frequent revisions, highlighting the government’s loosening grip on fuel pricing, are being criticized by industry bodies for hampering their budgeting processes and hitting bottom lines.
