Commercial LPG cylinder price climbs to Rs 6,000 on black market

The dip in LPG supply in Bengaluru has pushed many residents and small businesses to buy from the black market.

DH found out that domestic cylinders, which officially cost around Rs 900 to Rs 950, is now being sold for a whopping Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 in the informal market.

The shortage has also hit businesses hard. Commercial LPG cylinders that usually cost around Rs 1,700 to Rs 1,800 are now reportedly being sold for as high as Rs 6,000.

Many small eateries, roadside stalls and home-based food businesses that depend on LPG are struggling to cope with the sudden spike in prices.

“People are using influence to get a hold of a 14 kg domestic cylinder, which is unheard of. Some big restaurant chains have sourced cylinders at high prices like Rs 5,000-Rs 6,000,” a dealer said.

Arun Kumar D T, president of the PG Owners Welfare Association, said, “We are cumulatively trying to book cylinders online. But for every 10 cylinders we book, we are receiving only two or three”.