New Delhi: The Centre on Sunday defended the recent increase in domestic LPG prices, stating that Indian households continue to pay among the lowest cooking gas prices in the world despite rising international energy costs.
According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder for general consumers in Delhi is now priced at ₹942 after the latest hike, while beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) effectively pay ₹642 per cylinder due to government subsidy support.
As reported by CNBC-TV18, the ministry said the actual supply cost of a domestic LPG cylinder has crossed ₹1,600 because of the sharp increase in global benchmark prices triggered by disruptions in West Asia. Despite this, the government claimed that consumers in India are still shielded from the full impact of rising international fuel prices.
Government Highlights Global Comparison
The ministry stated that cooking gas prices in India remain significantly lower than rates in neighbouring nations and several developed countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia.
As the comparison chart given above shows, a 14.2 kg cylinder in Pakistan costs Rs. 1,046, in Nepal it costs Rs. 1,207, Bangladesh it comes approximately Rs. 1,225, Sri Lanka costs Rs. 1,241, United States it comes around Rs. 1,755, similarly Australia sees a surge of Rs. 1,765 roughly. The highest among all prices is in the country of Canada where a 14.2kg cylinder costs approximately Rs. 2,411. So, now you can understand the key difference in the prices that India is managing where the rest of the countries are facing much worse conditions.
Officials noted that LPG prices are linked to international market trends, but the government and public sector oil companies have absorbed a large portion of the burden to minimise the impact on households.
The statement further added that PMUY beneficiaries continue to receive targeted support through direct benefit transfer subsidies on eligible refills, helping low-income families manage cooking fuel expenses.
Government Cites Consumer Protection Measures
Defending its pricing policy, the ministry said oil marketing companies are facing significant under-recoveries because domestic LPG is being sold below import-linked market prices.
The government maintained that India’s pricing structure and subsidy support continue to offer relief to consumers even as global energy markets remain volatile.
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