LPG Price Hike: With the onset of May, ordinary citizens and lower-income groups have been dealt a major shock. Oil companies have significantly hiked the prices of both the 19-kilogram commercial cylinders and the smaller 5-kilogram LPG cylinders. Immediately following the conclusion of elections in several states—including West Bengal and Assam—a massive surge has been observed in the prices of commercial LPG cylinders.
A substantial increase has been recorded in the rates of both the 19-kg and 5-kg LPG cylinders. Effective May 1, 2026, the price of a commercial LPG cylinder has jumped by ₹993, while the cost of a 5-kg cylinder has risen by ₹261. This sudden spike in cylinder prices has come as a severe blow to the public.
LPG Price Hike May 2026 – Key Highlights
- Effective Date: May 1, 2026
- Major Shock: Significant hike in commercial & small LPG cylinder prices
- Impact: Commercial cylinder prices cross ₹3,000 mark in Delhi & Mumbai
- Relief: Domestic 14.2kg cylinder prices remain unchanged
- Timing: Price hike announced after elections in West Bengal & Assam
Shocking Price Comparison
- 5kg cylinder now costs ₹810
- 14.2kg domestic cylinder costs ₹916
- Difference between the two: Only ₹31
Who Will Be Most Affected?
- Daily-wage labourers — unable to afford larger cylinders
- Tea stall & street food vendors — directly dependent on 5kg cylinders
- Small shopkeepers — selling snacks & tea using small cylinders
- Hotels & restaurants — commercial cylinder users facing ₹993 hike
- Students — living independently & using small cylinders
5kg Cylinder — Designed for the Working Class
- Originally designed specifically for working-class & daily wage earners
- Price jumped from ₹549 to ₹810 — a massive 47.5% increase
- Now costs only ₹31 less than a 14.2kg domestic cylinder
Following this hike, the price of a commercial LPG cylinder in major cities—including Delhi and Mumbai—has now crossed the ₹3,000 mark. However, to offer some relief to the general public, oil companies have refrained from increasing the prices of domestic LPG cylinders (the 14.2-kg variant). This sudden price surge has severely disrupted household budgets. The 5-kg LPG cylinder is now merely ₹31 cheaper than the standard 14.2-kg domestic cylinder.
Price Disparity Between Cooking Gas and Small Cylinders
There is now a price difference of just ₹31 between the small 5-kilogram cylinder and the standard 14.2-kilogram domestic cooking gas cylinder. While the price of a domestic cooking gas cylinder remains steady at around ₹916, the smaller cylinder—containing only 5 kilograms of gas—is now retailing for ₹885.
As a result of this price hike, dining out at hotels and restaurants across the country is set to become more expensive. Additionally, price increases may also be observed in other food items. Furthermore, the cost of street food is also likely to rise.
How Much Do 5-kg Cylinders Cost Now?
According to sources, effective today, the price of 5-kilogram ‘Free Trade’ LPG cylinders has increased by ₹261 per cylinder. The price of this 5-kilogram cylinder has now risen from ₹549 to ₹810. This 5-kg cylinder was designed specifically for the working class.
Impact on Labourers and Students
The most direct impact of this price hike will be felt by the lower strata of society—specifically, daily-wage labourers. Due to financial constraints, these individuals are often unable to afford larger cylinders and consequently rely on smaller ones. This increase is also expected to significantly impact street vendors and small shopkeepers who utilise these cylinders to sell tea or snacks.
