KKN Gurugram Desk | Starting April 8, 2025, cooking gas will become costlier across India. The Central Government has announced a ₹50 price hike in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders. This move comes just days after the government increased excise duty on petrol and diesel.
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The decision was confirmed by Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, who said that the price revision is part of a broader plan to offset losses incurred by oil marketing companies.
What Are the New LPG Prices from April 8?
Here’s the new pricing structure:
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PM Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries:
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Old Price: ₹500 per 14.2 kg cylinder
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New Price: ₹550
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General consumers (non-PMUY):
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Old Price: ₹803
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New Price: ₹853
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This is the first LPG price hike of the current financial year, and it is expected to impact millions of households who rely on LPG as their primary cooking fuel.
Why Has the LPG Price Increased?
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri explained that the price adjustment is a response to the financial strain faced by oil marketing companies, which have accumulated a deficit of around ₹43,000 crore due to prior subsidies and global price volatility.
“The increase in excise duty on petrol and diesel is meant to compensate for past losses. It won’t affect the public directly but is aimed at balancing oil companies’ books,” said the Minister.
He further added that the government reviews fuel pricing every 2–3 weeks, hinting that there may be further adjustments based on international oil prices.
Impact on Consumers
For families already battling inflation, this price hike is an added burden. LPG cylinders are a staple in almost every Indian kitchen, and even a ₹50 rise can strain monthly budgets, especially for low and middle-income groups.
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Rita Devi, a domestic helper in Delhi, shared her concern:
“We’re already paying more for vegetables and milk. Now LPG also goes up. How will we manage?”
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Small businesses such as roadside eateries and tiffin services will also feel the pinch, potentially leading to higher food prices for consumers.
What About PMUY Beneficiaries?
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, launched to provide subsidized LPG to economically weaker households, now faces its own challenge. The ₹50 hike for PMUY users has drawn criticism from several opposition parties and social welfare groups.
However, government sources claim that subsidies may be revised to offset this rise partially in future assessments.
Political Reactions Begin
The opposition has slammed the government, calling the hike “insensitive” during a time when food and fuel prices are already soaring. Meanwhile, some economists argue that price rationalization was necessary given the global energy landscape and the need for fiscal discipline.
Is This the Start of More Increases?
While the government claims this is a one-time adjustment, energy analysts warn that if crude oil prices continue to rise globally, further hikes may be unavoidable unless heavily subsidized.
The government has also clarified that this price hike is under review and may be revised based on future economic and geopolitical developments.
As India tries to walk the tightrope between global oil dependency and domestic affordability, the recent LPG price hike is a reflection of a larger challenge—keeping essential commodities accessible while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
For now, citizens must brace for increased monthly expenses, while hoping that subsidies and reviews bring some relief in the coming weeks.
