NEW DELHI: The prices of commercial Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) have been increased from Tuesday, September 1.The latest hike reverses two consecutive months of cuts in commercial LPG rates and is likely to raise fuel costs for airlines and operating expenses for businesses such as restaurants, hotels and catering services.The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has been raised by Rs 9.50 to Rs 2,747.50, from Rs 2,738, in line with a rise in international benchmark prices. The price of the 5-kg market-priced cooking gas cylinder, known as 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL), has also increased by Rs 2 to Rs 764 from Rs 762.Meanwhile, Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices for domestic airlines have been hiked by Rs 6.28 per litre, or 5.46%, to Rs 121.28 from Rs 115. The increase comes after a Rs 5-per-litre hike on August 1 and is expected to add to the financial burden on airlines, for which ATF can account for up to 40% of operating costs.The latest commercial LPG hike follows two straight monthly reductions. The price of a 19-kg cylinder was cut by Rs 192 on August 1 and Rs 183.50 on July 1. These reductions came after commercial LPG prices surged during the West Asia crisis, with the rate rising by Rs 1,373 per cylinder between February and June, from Rs 1,740.50 to Rs 3,113.50.ATF and LPG prices are revised on the first day of every month based on international benchmark prices and foreign exchange rates. Rates vary across states depending on local taxes such as VAT.The price of domestic LPG remains unchanged at Rs 942 for a 14.2-kg cylinder. Domestic LPG rates were last increased by Rs 29 in June, following a Rs 60 hike in March amid disruptions in global energy markets. Petrol and diesel prices also remain unchanged.
