This month, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumers in the city, under the non- subsidy category, will have to shell out an additional ₹49.50 over last month’s price of ₹663 per refill.
The retail price of a LPG refill is ₹712.50, with ₹230.66 being the subsidy component. The three State-run oil companies revise LPG prices on the first of every month based on international prices.
In March, the price of LPG came down after riding high for a few months. It was ₹699.50 against ₹746 that consumers paid in February.
Industry sources said that usually, LPG prices come down in March and climb around September with the onset of winter and an increased demand for gas for heating.
Even in India, LPG usage would increase during that time. However, this month’s increase seems to be against the regular practice, the sources said.
‘Not a good sign’
S. Jegan, a resident of Medavakkam, said when consumers were already burdened by an increase in petrol and diesel prices, the LPG hike came as a rude shock. “If the Central and State governments cannot keep prices under control, it is not a good sign. They are simply taking consumers for a ride by stating that taxes are necessary for the development of the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, the price of a non-domestic refill has increased to ₹1,334 this month from May’s ₹1,256. Auto LPG too witnessed a hike of ₹2.31 per kg as against ₹38.81 last month.
“There is no resistance to any hike in prices. Even the Opposition is keeping quiet. The industry associations are not strong enough as they used to be in past,” said an LPG dealer.