India Raises Commercial LPG Prices Amid West Asia War

India's government has raised prices for commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders amid ongoing disruptions from the war in West Asia, which began in February and affected key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz. The latest adjustment, effective April 1, increased the cost of a 19-kilogram commercial cylinder by nearly 200 rupees in major cities, following a prior hike of 144 rupees in March. Domestic LPG prices for 14.2-kilogram cylinders remain unchanged nationwide since a 60-rupee increase in March, currently ranging from 910.50 rupees in Noida to 1,002.50 rupees in Patna.

The price surges stem from global energy market volatility, with international oil prices rising up to 50 percent due to supply constraints in the Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world's energy shipments pass. India relies on imports for about 60 percent of its LPG needs and half of its natural gas, primarily from West Asian suppliers such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. State-owned oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum, adjust rates monthly based on these international benchmarks. The April commercial hike reflects a 44...