LPG price hike, supply crunch, and the pivot to alternate means

₹60 per cylinder hike has added to household stress and squeezed small businesses.The primary driver, experts say, is global instability.According to Adhil Shetty, CEO of BankBazaar, the increase reflects continued pressure from international markets where crude oil and natural gas prices remain elevated due to geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions."India imports a large share of its LPG needs, so any rise in international prices or freight costs tends to flow through to domestic cylinder rates," Shetty noted. He added that the latest global escalation has made cooking fuel more expensive, and with deliveries taking longer in some areas, households must prepare for higher and less predictable expenses.For several years, LPG prices in regulated markets remained relatively steady, with only minor fluctuations.

The recent ₹60 increase, however, has placed visible strain on both households and small commercial establishments such as tea stalls and local eateries.According to data compiled by BankBazaar:The steady climb reflects how global volatility is filtering directly into domestic kitchens.Beyond official price hikes, supply shortages have triggered sharp spikes in the parallel market.In Bangalore, residents report black market rates as high as ₹2,500 per cylinder, with waiting periods stretching up to a week.In Hyderabad, the situation appears even more dramatic. A cylinder that previously cost ₹1,200 in the black market is now selling for as much as ₹4,500, according to a resident.In Delhi, where black market rates were earlier around ₹1,100, costs have continued to rise.