The Centre has defended the latest ₹29 increase in domestic LPG cylinder prices, saying Indian households continue to pay significantly less for cooking gas compared to consumers in many neighbouring countries and advanced economies. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the actual cost of supplying a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder has now crossed ₹1,600, while a regular consumer in Delhi pays ₹942. Beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) effectively pay ₹642 per cylinder after receiving a ₹300 direct benefit transfer on eligible refills.
