Patna: Households across Patna received an unwelcome jolt on Sunday as state-owned oil marketing companies increased the price of domestic LPG cylinders by Rs29, further straining family budgets amid rising living costs.According to the revised rates, the price of a 14.2kg domestic LPG cylinder in Patna has gone up from Rs1,011 to Rs1,040. The new rates came into effect on Sunday. A 5kg domestic cylinder now costs Rs386.While the increase may appear modest, consumers said it would add to the burden of already elevated expenses on vegetables, cooking oil and other household essentials.The price of the 19kg commercial LPG cylinder, however, remains unchanged at Rs3,414 in Patna.The hike triggered resentment among consumers visiting LPG distributors across the city on Sunday.“First it was tomatoes, then cooking oil, and now gas again. Every month something gets costlier,” said Sunita Devi, a homemaker from Kankarbagh.Living in a family of five, she refills one cylinder every 30 to 35 days. “An extra Rs29 means we have to cut spending elsewhere. Salaries remain the same while expenses keep rising,” she said.Small business owners also expressed concern. Ramesh Kumar, who runs a tea stall near Boring Road, said he uses two domestic cylinders every month.“That means an additional Rs58 every month. I cannot increase tea prices because customers will simply move to another stall. Ultimately, it reduces my savings,” he said.Residents said they were worried not just about the latest increase but also about the possibility of further hikes, as LPG prices are revised periodically in line with international fuel prices and tax structures.“Today it is Rs29; tomorrow it could be more. We are already paying higher school fees and medical expenses. LPG is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Md Irfan, an autorickshaw driver from Phulwarisharif.Priya Singh, a college student sharing a rented flat on Boring Canal Road, said even a small increase affects students living on fixed budgets.“We divide the cylinder cost among three roommates. Even Rs10 extra per person matters when you depend on a monthly allowance. Switching to induction cooking is not a practical option because electricity bills are also high,” she said.
