The Union government has officially announced a Rs 50 hike in LPG cylinder prices, marking a significant development that will directly impact the budgets of millions of households across the country. This increase affects both subsidised and non-subsidised domestic LPG consumers, including those under the government’s flagship Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri made the announcement on Monday, confirming that the revised rates will come into effect from April 8, 2025. This is the latest price adjustment in a volatile energy market, and it comes amid growing concerns about inflation and rising living costs.
According to the minister:
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PMUY beneficiaries, who are largely from economically weaker sections of society and previously paid Rs 500 per cylinder, will now have to pay Rs 550.
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Other domestic consumers, who are not part of the subsidy scheme, will see the price of an LPG cylinder increase from Rs 803 to Rs 853.
Minister Puri explained that LPG pricing is subject to regular review, typically every 2 to 3 weeks, and is influenced by a combination of factors including global crude oil prices, exchange rates, international gas prices, freight charges, and domestic tax policies. He stated that the price hike was a result of such a review and not a stand-alone policy decision.
He further clarified that the recent excise duty hike on petrol and diesel was also not intended to burden the common man. Instead, it is being used to help the government offset a Rs 43,000 crore loss incurred by oil marketing companies (OMCs). These losses stemmed from the sustained subsidisation of LPG prices in recent months, during a period when global energy prices remained high due to geopolitical tensions and supply chain issues.
This increase comes just days after a cut in the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by Rs 41, signaling a mixed approach by OMCs in balancing the needs of domestic users and commercial consumers. The revised retail price of commercial LPG in Delhi is now Rs 1,762, down from the earlier price which was raised by Rs 6 on March 1.
Public Response and Broader Implications
The announcement has triggered widespread concern among consumers, especially low-income households, who are already grappling with rising food and utility costs. Consumer rights groups and opposition leaders have criticized the timing of the hike, saying it could disproportionately affect rural families and women, particularly those under the Ujjwala scheme, which was originally introduced to provide affordable clean cooking fuel to underprivileged homes.
Economists note that the move may be necessary to maintain the financial health of OMCs, but caution that frequent price hikes in essential commodities like LPG can contribute to overall retail inflation. With general elections on the horizon, such measures are also expected to become a politically sensitive issue.
Meanwhile, the government has reiterated its commitment to clean energy access, stating that it is exploring ways to enhance the efficiency of subsidy delivery, expand refill support, and promote the use of alternative fuels such as solar and biogas in rural areas.
As the country navigates an increasingly complex global energy landscape, consumers can expect continued volatility in fuel pricing. For now, the immediate impact of this LPG price hike will be felt in kitchens across India — especially in homes where every rupee counts.
