Planning your monthly kitchen budget? Well, you might want to account for a new expense. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has officially confirmed a ₹50 hike in LPG cylinder prices starting tomorrow, April 8, 2025. This price revision impacts both general consumers and beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), reigniting concerns around inflation and fuel affordability across India.
LPG Prices Hiked: What’s Changing From April 8?
From tomorrow, the cost of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder will increase by ₹50 across the board:
- PMUY Beneficiaries: ₹500 → ₹550
- General Consumers: ₹803 → ₹853
The move, according to the Oil Minister, reflects global market adjustments and the need to stabilize domestic supply chains.
Why Has the Government Increased LPG Prices?
Oil Minister Puri pointed to a combination of global factors:
- Rising international LPG and crude oil prices
- Supply chain challenges due to geopolitical issues
- The need for oil marketing companies (OMCs) to recover costs after months of bearing losses
Will There Be More Price Changes?
Yes, according to Puri. LPG prices will now be reviewed every 15 to 30 days based on global market trends. This means future fluctuations—both increases and decreases—are possible.
Who Will Feel the Impact Most?
- Households with low or fixed incomes, especially in rural areas
- PMUY beneficiaries, despite being subsidized, will still pay more upfront
- Restaurants and food vendors, who depend on commercial LPG, may also face indirect cost increases
Government’s Statement on the Price Hike
Minister Puri clarified that while prices are rising, the government remains committed to supporting poor households through direct subsidy transfers. However, there has been no announcement of an increase in subsidy amounts.
How Much Will a Household Spend Now?
Assuming a household uses one LPG cylinder per month:
- Ujjwala households now spend ₹600 more annually
- Non-subsidized users spend ₹600 extra per year as well
This may seem small individually, but millions of households feel the pressure collectively.
Will This Hike Affect Commercial LPG Too?
Though the hike is primarily on domestic cylinders, commercial LPG prices have also seen minor revisions recently. Businesses that rely heavily on LPG are watching the market closely.
Social Media and Public Reactions
The announcement triggered a flood of reactions:
- #LPGPriceHike and #RollbackLPG trended on Twitter
- Memes, complaints, and comparisons with international LPG rates flooded social platforms
- Many citizens are calling for increased subsidies or alternative fuel options
Opposition Parties React
The opposition didn’t hold back, calling the hike:
- “An attack on the poor”
- “Unjustified amidst high inflation” Some leaders have demanded an immediate rollback and called for protests in several states.
Can Consumers Expect Any Relief?
Currently, relief can only come through:
- Reduced international oil prices
- Government intervention in the form of increased subsidies
- More widespread adoption of alternative cooking energy sources
Tips to Cut Your LPG Usage and Save Money
Here’s how to keep your kitchen budget in check:
- Use pressure cookers to reduce gas consumption
- Cook in bulk to avoid reheating
- Use IS-marked LPG-efficient stoves
- Explore solar or electric cooking appliances where feasible
Conclusion
The ₹50 hike in LPG cylinder prices may not break the bank for some, but for millions across India, especially those relying on Ujjwala connections, it adds strain to already stretched budgets. As global market volatility continues, more price fluctuations could be on the horizon. Whether you’re a homemaker or a restaurant owner, it’s time to start thinking smart about how you use your LPG.
FAQs
1. When does the LPG price hike come into effect?
April 8, 2025.
2. Who announced the price hike?
India’s Oil Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri.
3. Does this affect Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries?
Yes, they will now pay ₹550 per cylinder.
4. Will LPG prices increase again?
Yes, they will be reviewed every 15–30 days based on global trends.
5. Are subsidies being increased to match the hike?
Not as of now. Beneficiaries will continue receiving existing subsidy amounts.