The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHRA) has voiced its outrage, stating that the cumulative hike of ₹1,498 over the past five months is unsustainable. “The unilateral ₹1,000 increase is unprecedented in India and wholly unjustifiable,” said P.P. Abdurahman, a key figure in the association. He further warned that if such price increases continue, food prices could rise by as much as 50% to 60% just to keep businesses afloat.

The government’s push towards promoting piped natural gas (PNG) connections adds another layer of complexity. Starting June 30, 2026, households with existing PNG infrastructure will see their LPG connections cut off entirely. Authorities are currently identifying households that use both LPG and PNG services to enforce this new rule.

Key facts about the recent gas price changes:

• The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has crossed ₹3,000 after a ₹1,000 increase.
• The cumulative hike in commercial LPG cylinder prices over the past five months totals ₹1,498.
• The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued new rules for gas cylinder connections in March 2026.

This shift towards PNG is part of a broader government strategy aimed at reducing reliance on LPG and curbing methane emissions associated with traditional gas usage. However, the KHRA argues that this transition must not come at the expense of small businesses struggling to cope with skyrocketing costs.

As protests escalate and shutdowns become more frequent across Kerala’s bustling food sector, the future remains uncertain. Observers are closely monitoring how these developments will impact local economies and whether any concessions will be made by authorities to alleviate the burden on restaurant owners.

The post Gas: Protests Erupt in Kerala Over Rising Prices appeared first on The Business News.

The backdrop to this development is stark. Since 2022, retail fuel prices have remained largely frozen, even as global crude oil prices surged due to ongoing conflicts in West Asia. Oil marketing companies have been absorbing losses—about Rs 20 per litre on petrol and roughly Rs 100 per litre on diesel—as they kept retail rates unchanged.

Key facts:

• The expected increase of Rs 4–5 per litre for petrol and diesel could further strain consumer budgets.
• Domestic LPG cylinders are also likely to see a hike of about Rs 40–50.
• The government is expected to make a decision on this price adjustment within the next 5–7 days.

Government sources have indicated that they are closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and its impact on global energy markets. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reiterated that retail pump prices for petrol, diesel, and domestic LPG have been kept unchanged for an extended period.

Yet, no final decision regarding the price hike has been announced. The uncertainty looms large over consumers as they await clarity on how these adjustments will affect their daily lives. With inflation already a pressing issue, any increase in fuel prices could exacerbate financial pressures across the board.

The post Petrol, Diesel Price Hike Looms in India appeared first on The Business News.

This latest surge marks the highest price ever recorded for commercial gas cylinders in Bengaluru. The economic strain is palpable—small food businesses across the city are feeling the pinch as they struggle to absorb these rising costs.

The backdrop to this crisis is multifaceted. The ongoing instability in West Asia has contributed to fluctuating global oil prices, which have a direct impact on local LPG rates. While household users remain shielded from domestic LPG price hikes, it is the commercial sector that bears the brunt of these increases.

Key facts:

• The price of a commercial gas cylinder was hiked by ₹993 on April 30.
• The current price of a commercial LPG cylinder in Bengaluru stands at ₹3,152.
• Commercial LPG cylinder prices have surged by ₹933 recently.

As restaurants prepare for inevitable adjustments, many are left wondering how much longer they can sustain their current pricing models without passing costs onto consumers. Rao emphasized that the situation is critical for small eateries that rely heavily on affordable gas supplies.

The ripple effects of this increase extend beyond just restaurant menus; they threaten to reshape the entire food business landscape in Bengaluru. With inflation already affecting consumer spending habits, further hikes could deter diners from frequenting local establishments.

This scenario raises questions about how long businesses can endure such economic pressures before making difficult decisions regarding staffing and menu offerings. As the community watches closely, the next moves from both restaurant owners and consumers will be telling.

The post Commercial Cylinder Price Hits All-Time High in Bengaluru appeared first on The Business News.

These regulatory changes arise from a backdrop of escalating global fuel prices, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, notably the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran disrupting energy markets. As anxiety mounts over fuel availability, the government has taken steps to manage the situation.

Key facts:

• Domestic LPG cylinder prices were raised by ₹60 in March.
• The price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder saw hikes of ₹144 initially, followed by another increase of nearly ₹200 on April 1.
• Online bookings now account for nearly 98% of total requests for LPG cylinders.
• Booking intervals have been extended in both urban and rural areas, affecting how often users can secure their supplies.

The introduction of OTP-based delivery systems and mandatory Aadhaar eKYC verification aims to streamline operations but may also add layers of complexity for consumers. Officials have advised against panic buying, urging citizens to maintain calm as measures are implemented to ensure continued availability.

Sujata Sharma, a spokesperson for the government, stated: “Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG as the government is making all efforts to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG.” This reassurance comes as many wonder whether further price increases will occur on May 1.

The uncertainties surrounding future price adjustments leave many consumers anxious about their budgeting for essential household needs. The current lock-in period for booking LPG cylinders stands at 25 days, which could lead to longer wait times and increased frustration among users seeking timely deliveries.

The post May 1 lpg rule changes appeared first on The Business News.

The price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder in India has been increased by 60 rupees, raising the cost from 853 rupees to 913 rupees in Delhi. Similar price adjustments have been made across major metropolitan cities, with the new rates set at 912.50 rupees in Mumbai, 939 rupees in Kolkata, and 928.50 rupees in Chennai.

In addition to the domestic cylinder price hike, the rates for commercial LPG gas cylinders have also risen significantly, with an increase of 115 rupees. This change has raised alarms among various stakeholders, particularly in the hospitality sector.

Impact on the Hospitality Sector

An acute shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is currently disrupting operations in the hospitality sector, particularly in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Reports indicate that at least 20 percent of hotels and restaurants in Mumbai have temporarily shut down due to the LPG cylinder shortage.

AHAR, the Indian Hotels and Restaurants Association, has expressed concerns regarding the availability of commercial cylinders, stating, “Despite being a basic operational requirement for restaurants and hotels, commercial cylinders are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain through proper channels.” This situation has raised questions about the sustainability of operations in the hospitality industry.

Government Response

In response to the ongoing crisis, the Indian government has increased the LPG booking period from 21 days to 25 days in an effort to curb hoarding. Additionally, the government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to ensure the supply of natural gas remains prioritized.

Officials have emphasized that the supply of natural gas must be treated as a priority allocation and maintained at 100 percent of the average consumption over the past six months, subject to operational availability.

Looking Ahead

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact impact of ongoing geopolitical conflicts on future gas cylinder prices. Observers are closely monitoring the situation as the hospitality sector grapples with these challenges and the broader implications for consumers across India.

The post Gas cylinder price appeared first on The Business News.

The price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder was hiked due to geopolitical disruptions to fuel supply. This increase has raised concerns among consumers and businesses reliant on these essential commodities.

Recent Developments

Oil marketing companies have increased the prices of non-subsidised domestic LPG gas cylinders by 60 rupees across metropolitan cities in India. In Delhi, the price for a 14.2 kilogram gas cylinder has risen from 853 rupees to 913 rupees. New rates for LPG cylinders in other major cities include 912.50 rupees in Mumbai, 939 rupees in Kolkata, and 928.50 rupees in Chennai.

Additionally, rates for commercial LPG gas cylinders have been increased by 115 rupees, further impacting businesses that rely on these supplies.

Impact on the Hospitality Sector

An acute shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is disrupting the hospitality sector in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Reports indicate that at least 20 percent of hotels and restaurants in Mumbai had to shut down temporarily due to the LPG cylinder shortage.

Responses from Key Parties

The AHAR – Indian Hotels and Restaurants Association has expressed concerns, stating, “Despite being a basic operational requirement for restaurants and hotels, commercial cylinders are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain through proper channels.” This sentiment reflects the growing frustration among hospitality operators.

In response to the situation, the Indian government has increased the LPG booking period from 21 days to 25 days to curb hoarding, invoking the Essential Commodities Act to ensure the supply of natural gas.

Looking Ahead

Officials have emphasized that the supply of natural gas must be treated as a priority allocation, stating that it should be maintained subject to operational availability to meet one hundred percent of average past six-month gas consumption.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact impact of ongoing geopolitical conflicts on future gas cylinder prices, leaving consumers and businesses in a state of uncertainty.

The post Gas cylinder price appeared first on The Business News.

Recent Allegations

A Bengaluru-based customer, Madhu Menon, accused Indane of fraud in gas cylinder distribution. Menon claimed that cylinders were booked in his name but not delivered to him, revealing a troubling situation when he attempted to book a refill on Indane’s website.

Menon expressed his frustration, stating, “Got this message saying my last cylinder was delivered on 25 Feb and I can’t order again till late March. Except I haven’t ordered a new cylinder since early 2025! Then I discovered clear fraud!” This allegation highlights a potential systemic issue within the distribution process.

Government Response