Non-subsidised LPG cheaper by Rs 100 from today

According to a press release issued by Indian Oil, the decision to cut rates was taken in view of softening LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) prices in the international market and a favourable dollar-rupee exchange rate.

As domestic LPG prices are subsidised by the government, the effective price of each cylinder will come down to Rs 494.35 per cylinder after the rate revision. The balance amount of Rs 142.65 per cylinder “would be borne as subsidy” by the Central government and transferred to the consumer’s bank account after the purchase of a refill, the release said.

The cut comes barely a month after LPG saw a price hike of 3.65 per cent with effect from June 1. According to Indian Oil, that amounted to an increase of Rs 25 per cylinder as compared to the going rate the previous month.

The hike in LPG prices had provoked objections from the opposition back then, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee even threatening to launch a statewide agitation. “Why were LPG prices hiked after the elections? We condemn the gas price hike,” she said.

At present, the government subsidises 12 cylinders of 14.2 kg each per household in a year. For any additional purchases, the consumer has to bear the market price. The extent of the subsidy varies from month to month, depending on changes in the average international benchmark LPG prices and foreign exchange rates.