Commercial cylinder prices jump by ₹115; government faces public backlash as households reel under rising costs
LUDHIANA, March 7 — In a move that has sent shockwaves through households across Punjab, the central government on Saturday announced a steep hike in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices, raising the cost of a 14.2 kg domestic cooking gas cylinder by ₹60 and the 19 kg commercial cylinder by ₹115, with the revised rates taking effect immediately.
The price revision, effective from Saturday morning, has pushed the cost of a domestic cylinder to ₹940 in Ludhiana, ₹950 in Amritsar, ₹942 in Jalandhar, and ₹922.50 in Patiala — all up from their previous rates. The commercial cylinder in Ludhiana, used widely by dhabas, restaurants, and small businesses, has climbed from ₹1,851 to ₹1,965.50.
“The rising cylinder prices will completely disrupt our kitchen budgets. The government must step in.” — Homemaker, Ludhiana
City-by-City Price Breakdown
| City | Old Price (₹) | New Price (₹) | Increase (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ludhiana | 880.00 | 940.00 | +60.00 |
| Amritsar | 890.00 | 950.00 | +60.00 |
| Jalandhar | 882.00 | 942.00 | +60.00 |
| Patiala | 862.50 | 922.50 | +60.00 |
Prices for 14.2 kg domestic cylinder. Commercial cylinder (19 kg) in Ludhiana: ₹1,851 → ₹1,965.50 (+₹114.50)
Public Outrage Mounts
The announcement triggered immediate and widespread anger across Punjab. Residents, particularly homemakers, expressed frustration at the spiralling cost of daily essentials. Women in Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Patiala said the hike would severely strain household budgets that are already stretched thin by rising food and vegetable prices.
Small business owners and dhaba operators are equally alarmed. The ₹115 jump in commercial cylinder prices is expected to push up the cost of meals at roadside eateries and dhabas — a staple dining option for Punjab’s working class.
Government Yet to Respond
At the time of going to press, neither state nor central government officials had issued any statement addressing public concerns or signalling relief measures such as targeted subsidies for below-poverty-line (BPL) households. Opposition parties are expected to raise the issue in the upcoming assembly session.
Citizens and consumer groups have called upon the government to immediately review the price revision, restore subsidy benefits for economically weaker sections, and provide clarity on the rationale behind the hike amid global crude oil price fluctuations.
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