The price of commercial LPG cylinders has increased again. Accordingly, the price of a commercial cooking gas cylinder has increased by Rs 42 in Delhi, Rs 53.50 in Kolkata and Rs 54 in Guwahati. Commercial LPG cylinder price in Guwahati increased by Rs 3,347.00 today.
The price of 5 kg Free Trade LPG (AeTL) cylinders has also been increased by Rs 11 each. However, the prices of domestic LPG cylinders remain unchanged.
The price hike will affect restaurants, hotels, catering establishments and other commercial sectors. These sectors are heavily dependent on commercial LPG cylinders for daily operations.
The increase comes amid government demands to strengthen energy security across the country and maintain uninterrupted supply of petroleum products.
On May 29, Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said in an inter-ministerial briefing that the government is working to increase strategic stocks of both LPG and crude oil “As far as strategic stocks are concerned, we are currently working to increase stocks. We have directed oil marketing companies to ensure that they have LPG stocks in at least 30 days.
He also assured that there is no shortage of fuel products in the country and overall fuel supply remains smooth despite reports of panic buying and hoarding in some areas.
“We have adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, LPG and natural gas. Our fuel stocks are also in good condition. Currently all our oil refineries are operating at full capacity or at optimal levels and LPG production is currently at an all-time high of around 90 DMT per day. So far, there are no reports of fuel shortages or dry outs in LPG distribution.”
The ministry has observed that fuel sales have increased abnormally in some districts of the country. This is partly due to increased demand and larger purchases in the agricultural sector.
According to Sharma, overall fuel sales are witnessing a growth of over 30 percent. Of these, 14 districts saw petrol sales increase by more than 100 per cent. Vigilance and operations have been intensified to prevent illegal smuggling and stockpiling of these products.
Sharma said over 6,500 LPG-related operations have been conducted in the last four days. As a result, five FIRs were lodged and two arrested.
Also, 900 raids were conducted at retail fuel outlets in the last two days. 417 liters of petrol and 75,715 liters of diesel were seized in the raid and 12 FIRs were registered and 15 people were arrested. He also mentioned that the government has taken various steps to keep fuel prices stable. This includes reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel.
Sharma urged citizens not to heed rumours, and urged them to use fuel responsibly. At the same time, he assured that the government is working tirelessly to ensure uninterrupted availability and smooth supply of LPG cylinders and other fuel products across the country.