Commercial LPG Cylinder Price Jumps Rs.993 in a Single Day; Chennai 19kg Cylinder Now Rs.3,239

The price of commercial cooking gas cylinders in India was raised by Rs.993 in a single day, bringing the cost of a 19kg commercial LPG cylinder in Chennai to Rs.3,239.

This is the third price hike since the West Asia war began on February 28. In March, the price was raised by Rs.144, and in April by Rs.203. With Thursday's hike of Rs.993 — effective May 1 — the cumulative increase over two months now stands at over Rs.1,300.

The central government cited rising global crude oil prices, triggered by the US-Iran conflict, as the reason for the steep increase. Domestic LPG cylinders (priced at Rs.928.50) remain unchanged.

Vaiko Condemns the Hike

MDMK General Secretary Vaiko issued a strongly worded statement condemning the BJP-led central government for the hike.

"Over the past two months, disruptions in cooking gas supply have already badly hit restaurants, driving food prices sharply higher. In this situation, raising the commercial cooking gas price by nearly Rs.1,000 in one stroke will cause severe hardship to the general public," he said.

Vaiko demanded that the central government immediately roll back the price hike.