Commercial LPG price hiked by Rs 10; ATF rates up for fourth straight month

Commercial LPG rates have been hiked for 2nd straight month

NEW DELHI: The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder was increased by Rs 10 to Rs 2,820 from Sunday, marking the second consecutive monthly hike. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices were also raised by Rs 1.37 per litre, according to state-owned oil companies.Commercial LPG, used mainly by hotels, restaurants and other businesses, had become costlier by Rs 62.50 per cylinder on October 1. The latest increase follows two consecutive monthly reductions of Rs 192 in August and Rs 183.50 in July. Prices had surged to a record high in June amid disruptions to global energy supplies and elevated international rates.A 19-kg commercial cylinder had cost Rs 1,740.50 in February before climbing to Rs 3,113.50 in June.

The subsequent cuts brought some relief, but the September and October increases, followed by Sunday's revision, have reversed part of that decline.Meanwhile, the price of a 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinder for a new connection stands at Rs 1,903, while a refill costs Rs 782. FTL cylinders are smaller LPG cylinders sold at market-linked prices, outside the regular subsidised domestic LPG supply system.ATF, the fuel used by aircraft, was raised to Rs 138.50 per litre from Rs 137.12.

This is the fourth consecutive monthly increase, following hikes of Rs 5 per litre in August, Rs 6.28 in September and Rs 16 in October. ATF accounts for up to 40 per cent of an airline's operating costs, and the latest increase is likely to add to carriers' expenses.The latest revisions reflect movements in international benchmark prices and the rupee-dollar exchange rate. ATF and commercial LPG rates are revised on the first day of every month and vary across states due to local taxes.Prices of domestic LPG, used by households, remained unchanged at Rs 942 for a 14.2-kg cylinder. Petrol and diesel prices were also left unchanged.