Commercial LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders used by hotels, restaurants and other businesses have become more expensive as of January 1, 2026. Oil marketing companies raised the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder by ₹111 across major cities, making it significantly costlier for commercial consumers at the start of the new year. This price revision comes after a period of declines in 2025, and it erases a good portion of the earlier relief. Businesses that depend heavily on LPG for daily operations — particularly in the hospitality and catering sectors — may feel increased cost pressure as a result.
In Delhi, for example, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder is now around ₹1,691.50up from ₹1,580.50 just before the hike. Other metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai have seen similar increases on a per-cylinder basis.
Why These Changes Matter
Commercial LPG is a key input for the food service industry, catering operations, and commercial kitchens. When its price rises sharply, operational costs go up too. Hotels, restaurants and small eateries often operate on tight margins, so such fuel cost increases can push them to raise prices for consumersreduce profit margins, or find cost savings elsewhere.
Unlike commercial cylinders, domestic LPG prices have remained steady for households, providing some relief to regular consumers who use LPG for cooking at home. This distinction reflects policy and pricing decisions that balance household energy affordability with commercial cost recovery based on global fuel market movements.
Price Trend Over the Last Two Years
To understand how commercial LPG prices have shifted, here’s a simple comparison of key price changes in major cities over the past two years:
| Date / Month | Approx. Commercial LPG Price (19 kg, Delhi) | Change vs Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2024 | ~₹1,580* | Baseline (2024 start) |
| Jul 2025 | ~₹1,665 (price cut earlier in 2025) | ↓ Reduced earlier in year |
| Aug 2025 | ~₹1,631.50 (reduced by ₹33) | ↓ Continued lower trend |
| Dec 2025 | ~₹1,580.50 (downtrend before 2026) | ↓ Lowest in late 2025 |
| Jan 1, 2026 | ~₹1,691.50 (hiked by ₹111) | ↑ Sharp increase |
*Estimated based on periodic revisions and observable pricing patterns.
This table shows an overall fluctuating trend with reductions through much of 2025 followed by a significant upward revision entering 2026.
What Businesses Should Know
- Plan costs carefully: With higher LPG prices, commercial kitchens should review fuel budgets.
- Menu pricing may adjust: Some restaurants may pass costs to customers.
- Monitor monthly revisions: LPG prices are typically revised monthly based on global fuel prices and exchange rates.
Conclusion
The ₹111 increase in commercial LPG prices from January 1, 2026 marks a meaningful shift after months of smaller revisions and cuts. While household LPG remains unchanged, commercial users face higher operating costs. The recent price revision highlights how energy costs can quickly swing in response to global fuel dynamics, affecting businesses and their bottom lines.
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