NEW DELHI: Prices of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) were increased from Sunday, marking another monthly rise in fuel costs for businesses and airlines. State-owned oil companies raised the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder by ₹10 to ₹2,820, while ATF prices were increased by ₹1.37 per litre to ₹138.50.
The latest revision marks the second consecutive monthly increase in commercial LPG prices. On October 1, the price of a 19-kg cylinder had been raised by ₹62.50, adding to the cost burden on hotels, restaurants and other commercial establishments.
The increases follow substantial price reductions in July and August, when commercial LPG rates were cut by ₹183.50 and ₹192 per cylinder, respectively. Prices had surged to a record ₹3,113.50 in June amid disruptions to global energy supplies and elevated international prices, after standing at ₹1,740.50 in February.
The subsequent reductions provided some relief to commercial consumers, but the latest consecutive hikes have reversed part of those gains.
Meanwhile, a new 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinder is priced at ₹1,903, while a refill costs ₹782. These smaller cylinders are sold at market-linked rates outside the regular subsidised domestic LPG supply system.
ATF prices have now increased for the fourth consecutive month, following hikes of ₹5 per litre in August, ₹6.28 in September and ₹16 in October. The latest increase takes the price from ₹137.12 to ₹138.50 per litre.
The continued rise in aviation fuel prices is likely to put additional pressure on airlines, as ATF accounts for up to 40 per cent of their operating costs. Higher fuel expenses can add to the financial burden on carriers and influence their overall cost structures.
The latest revisions reflect changes in international benchmark prices and fluctuations in the rupee-dollar exchange rate. Commercial LPG and ATF prices are revised on the first day of every month and vary across states due to differences in local taxes.
However, household consumers received some relief as domestic LPG prices remained unchanged. A 14.2-kg domestic cylinder continues to cost ₹942, while petrol and diesel prices were also left unchanged.
