Commercial LPG cylinders become costlier from June 1, Delhi price up by Rs 42

Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS

The price of 19 kg commercial LPG cylinders has been increased by Rs 42 in Delhi, taking the retail price to Rs 3,113.50 per cylinder with effect from June 1, according to sources.

The revision also affects other cities, with the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder in Kolkata rising by Rs 53.50 to Rs 3,255.50. In addition, the price of 5 kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders has been increased by Rs 11, bringing the cost to Rs 821.50 in Delhi, news agency ANI reported.

Sources clarified that there has been no change in the price of domestic LPG cylinders used by households.

The price revision comes as the government continues efforts to strengthen the country’s fuel security and maintain adequate reserves of petroleum products and cooking gas.

Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on Friday, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the government is working to build strategic reserves and has directed oil marketing companies to maintain a minimum 30-day LPG reserve.

She said India currently has sufficient stocks of petrol, diesel, LPG and natural gas, while refineries are operating at optimal levels. LPG production has reached an all-time high of nearly 90 DMT per day, and no supply disruptions have been reported at LPG distributorships.

Sharma, however, noted that authorities have observed abnormal sales at several retail outlets, driven partly by agricultural demand and bulk purchases. Overall fuel sales have recorded growth of more than 30 percent, with 14 districts reporting over 100 percent growth in petrol sales.

To prevent diversion and hoarding, enforcement agencies have intensified inspections. Over the past four days, authorities conducted 6,500 raids related to LPG distribution, resulting in five FIRs and two arrests. Additionally, 900 inspections at fuel retail outlets over two days led to the seizure of 417 litres of petrol and 75,715 litres of diesel, with 12 FIRs registered and 15 arrests made.

On LPG availability, Sharma said current demand stands at around 72 thousand metric tonnes per day, while domestic refineries are producing between 50 and 52 thousand metric tonnes. She added that the LPG backlog has been reduced to 4.5 days, indicating improved supply management.

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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA