New Delhi, 01 August (H.S.):

The beginning of August has brought significant relief for hotels, restaurants, eateries and other commercial establishments, as Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have reduced the prices of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by more than ₹200. The revised rates came into effect from August 1.

According to the latest price revision, the cost of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has been reduced by ₹202 in Delhi and ₹209 in Kolkata. Following the reduction, the new retail price stands at ₹2,728 per cylinder in Delhi and ₹2,872.50 in Kolkata.

However, there has been no change in the prices of 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinders. Domestic consumers will continue to pay ₹942 per cylinder in Delhi, ₹941.50 in Mumbai, ₹968 in Kolkata and ₹957.50 in Chennai. Prices may vary slightly across states due to differences in local taxes and Value Added Tax (VAT).

This marks the second consecutive monthly reduction in commercial LPG cylinder prices. Earlier, on July 1, OMCs had lowered the price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder by up to ₹183.50.

Before the recent reductions, commercial LPG prices had witnessed seven hikes between January and June this year, including two increases in March. The earlier upward revisions were largely attributed to supply disruptions and heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which exerted pressure on global energy prices.

Commercial LPG cylinders are primarily used by hotels, restaurants, catering services, roadside eateries and other business establishments. The latest price cut is expected to reduce operating costs for commercial users and provide relief to the hospitality and food service sectors.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar