Government sources have hinted that prices of petrol and diesel may hike by Rs 4-5 per litre and LPG domestic cylinder prices may increase by Rs 40-50 per cylinder. The speculation has been fuelled after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the people of India on Sunday to cut down on petrol and diesel consumption amid supply disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East.
On May 1, the government increased the 19 kg commercial cylinder price by Rs 993 across the country. A 19 kg commercial cylinder will now cost Rs 3,071.50 in Delhi and Rs 3,202 in Kolkata. The hike in prices comes amid broader discussions around India’s energy supply situation, particularly as tensions in West Asia raise concerns about potential disruptions in global oil routes.
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LPG Domestic and commercial cylinder prices
Earlier, India increased the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) after disruptions following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which led to Iran's near-total blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Here are the LPG domestic and commercial cylinder rates in different Indian cities:
LPG Cylinder Prices (May 11 – Major Cities)
| City | Domestic LPG (14.2 kg) | Commercial LPG (19 kg) |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | ₹913 | ₹1,884.50 |
| Mumbai | ₹912.50 | ₹1,836 |
| Kolkata | ₹939 | ₹1,988.50 |
| Chennai | ₹928.50 | ₹2,043.50 |
| Bengaluru | ₹915.50 | ₹1,958 |
| Hyderabad | ₹965 | ₹2,105.50 |
| Lucknow | ₹950.50 | ₹2,007 |
| Patna | ₹1,002.50 | ₹2,133.50 |
PM Modi on WFH, petrol and diesel
India is one of few countries in the region that has not increased prices of petrol and diesel for domestic consumers or rationed supplies. "We have to reduce our use of petrol and diesel. In cities with metro lines, we should try to travel by metro...If we must use a car, then we should try to car pool," PM Modi said Sunday, addressing a gathering in Hyderabad.
He added that restrictions on use were also necessary to save foreign currency spent on fuel imports. "We must also place a strong emphasis on saving foreign exchange, as petrol and diesel have become so expensive globally." PM Modi also urged people to resume energy-saving schemes that were in place during the Covid pandemic. "We should prioritise work from home, online conferences, and virtual meetings again," he said.
Speculation regarding a fuel price hike has intensified following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public appeal for fuel conservation.
Here is the current status of fuel prices and the context behind the "alert."
1. PM Modi’s Alert: What was said?
On May 10, Prime Minister Modi urged citizens to use petrol, diesel, and gas with "great restraint." Citing the ongoing West Asia conflict (specifically tensions between the US and Iran) and soaring global crude prices (Brent above $104/barrel), the PM suggested:
Using public transport and carpooling.
Postponing foreign vacations and gold purchases for a year to save foreign exchange.
Reviving work-from-home practices where possible.
2. LPG Cylinder Rates (Latest as of May 12, 2026)
Domestic rates have remained stable since the ₹60 hike in March 2026, but commercial rates were hiked by ₹993 on May 1.
| City | Domestic (14.2 kg) | Commercial (19 kg) |
| New Delhi | ₹913.00 | ₹3,071.50 |
| Mumbai | ₹912.50 | ₹3,024.00 |
| Kolkata | ₹939.00 | ₹3,202.00 |
| Chennai | ₹928.50 | ₹3,237.00 |
| Bengaluru | ₹915.50 | ₹3,152.00 |
| Hyderabad | ₹965.00 | ₹3,315.00 |
3. Petrol & Diesel: The "Price Hike Buzz"
There is significant chatter that a retail price hike of ₹4 to ₹5 per litre is imminent, potentially before May 15, 2026.
The Reason: Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are reportedly losing nearly ₹1,000 crore per day (combined losses exceeding ₹1 lakh crore over the last 10 weeks) by keeping prices frozen despite high global costs.
Political Timing: Analysts suggest that with major state elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu now concluded, the "political window" for a price revision has opened.
4. Is there a fuel shortage?
Despite the PM's conservation appeal, the government has been clear: There is no shortage. > "India has 60 days of crude oil, 60 days of natural gas, and 45 days of LPG rolling stock...
Summary for Households: While you don't need to rush to the petrol pump today, your monthly budget may soon need adjusting for a likely hike in transportation fuel costs. Domestic LPG prices are currently "on hold" but are being monitored monthly.
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