First gas, next fuel: Rahul Gandhi terms Rs 993 commercial LPG hike as 'election bill' in latest jibe at Centre

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday criticised the sharp increase in commercial LPG prices, terming it an “election bill” imposed after the conclusion of polls.

In a social media post, Gandhi highlighted a Rs 993 jump in the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder, calling it the steepest single-day increase. He also flagged that prices have risen sharply since February, warning that the burden would fall on small businesses such as tea stalls, dhabas, bakeries and restaurants, eventually impacting consumers.

The latest hike, effective May 1, has taken the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi to Rs 3,071.50, up from Rs 2,078.50 previously. This follows successive increases of Rs 195.50 on April 1 and Rs 114.5 on March 1, taking the cumulative rise to over Rs 1,300 in three months. In contrast, domestic LPG prices remain unchanged, with a 14.2-kg cylinder priced at Rs 913 in Delhi.


Also Read: 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder price hiked by Rs 993; Delhi rate now at Rs 3,071.50

State-run fuel retailers such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum revise LPG prices on a monthly basis in line with global benchmarks and currency movements.

The surge in prices comes amid heightened global energy volatility. Crude oil prices have risen sharply following tensions in West Asia, including disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies. India, which imports around 60% of its LPG requirements, remains particularly exposed to such external shocks.

While petrol and diesel prices have remained unchanged after a cut last year, concerns persist over broader fuel inflation. Gandhi also warned that the impact of rising commercial LPG costs could spill over into other fuel segments, further straining household budgets.