Commercial LPG cylinder prices have increased for a third consecutive month, adding to costs for restaurants, hotels and sweet shops just days before Diwali. From 1 November, 19 kg commercial cylinders cost Rs 10 to Rs 17 more across India’s four major metropolitan cities, according to Indian Oil Corporation data.
In Delhi, a commercial cylinder now costs Rs 2,820, up Rs 10 from Rs 2,810. In Kolkata, the price rose Rs 17 to Rs 2,971, the highest among the metros. Mumbai’s commercial cylinder now costs Rs 2,775, up Rs 10.50, while Chennai saw an Rs 11.50 increase to Rs 2,994.50. Other cities reported similar moves: Ahmedabad rose Rs 10.50 to Rs 2,842, Patna to Rs 3,132 and Lucknow to Rs 2,942.
Household consumers, by contrast, received relief. Domestic LPG cylinder prices remain unchanged across all four metros. A 14.2 kg domestic cylinder costs Rs 942 in Delhi, Rs 968 in Kolkata, Rs 941.50 in Mumbai and Rs 957.50 in Chennai. Domestic rates were last revised in June, and no fresh hike has been applied for households in the November revision.
The split matters because the two markets serve different users. Commercial cylinders fuel eateries, bakeries, sweet shops and small food businesses — precisely the establishments that see their busiest weeks of the year in the run-up to Dhanteras on 6 November and Diwali on 8 November. Even a Rs 10-17 increase per cylinder adds up for a business running multiple burners through long festive hours.
For households, stability is welcome news at a time when festive spending is already high. Cooking gas is a non-negotiable monthly expense for most families, and an unchanged domestic rate removes one source of budget pressure in November. The contrast with commercial rates also reflects how oil marketing companies revise the two categories on different considerations, with domestic pricing carrying a larger welfare and subsidy dimension.
Oil marketing companies review LPG prices on the first of every month, linked to international crude and product prices, exchange rates and other input costs. Brent crude ended the past week near 117 dollars a barrel, keeping energy costs elevated even as domestic retail fuel markets watch global supply signals closely.
For context, Delhi’s commercial cylinder price has climbed a long way over the past decade — from Rs 1,449 in November 2014 to Rs 2,820 now — a reminder of how much energy costs have reshaped food-business economics. Sweet makers and restaurateurs will now weigh whether to absorb the latest increase or pass part of it on through festive menus.
The practical advice for consumers is unchanged: domestic users need take no action, and commercial buyers should check the revised rate with their distributor before placing festive orders. With Diwali days away, kitchens across India will be busy regardless — but this November, commercial kitchens will be paying a little more to keep the flame on.
