Commercial LPG, Aviation Fuel Prices Hiked From October 1

The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has been increased by Rs 62.50. The hike follows a Rs 9.50 increase in September, after commercial LPG rates were reduced by Rs 192 in August and Rs 183.50 in July.

Commercial LPG prices had climbed sharply earlier this year amid disruptions to global energy supplies and elevated international prices. Between February and June, the price of a 19-kg cylinder increased by Rs 1,373, rising from Rs 1,740.50 to Rs 3,113.50, before declining during July and August.

Prices of domestic LPG cylinders, however, have been left unchanged at Rs 942. Domestic LPG rates had increased by Rs 89 per cylinder between March and June amid supply disruptions linked to the West Asia crisis and higher international energy prices.

OMCs have also raised ATF prices by Rs 16 per litre, taking the rate for domestic airlines to Rs 137 per litre from Rs 121 per litre.

The latest increase comes after ATF prices rose by Rs 6.28 per litre, or 5.46 per cent, in September and by Rs 5 per litre in August. Aviation fuel is a major component of airline operating expenses and can account for up to 40 per cent of total operating costs.

The monthly revisions to LPG and ATF prices are based on changes in international benchmark rates as well as fluctuations in the rupee-dollar exchange rate. The prices are revised on the first day of each month and can differ across states because of local taxes, including VAT.

Petrol and diesel prices, which were last increased in May, have remained unchanged.