Hyderabad: Skyrocketing LPG prices are putting increasing pressure on household budgets across India, but the burden is particularly severe in Telangana’s Adilabad district. At Rs 999 per domestic cylinder, Adilabad currently records the highest LPG price in southern India, and the second highest in the country after Jammu and Kashmir.Notably, the price in Adilabad exceeds that of Hyderabad, where a domestic cylinder costs Rs 968, highlighting a widening urban–rural disparity in the cost of essential fuels. Officials attribute the higher price in this remote district to a combination of local taxation and steep transportation costs.Across other southern regions, LPG prices remain comparatively lower. Kurnool and Bidar both report Rs 984 per cylinder, Dindigul stands at Rs 955, and Kasargod at Rs 933. This variation underscores how geography and logistical challenges continue to influence fuel affordability. In Jammu and Kashmir, prices have surged even further, ranging between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,100 per cylinder.Adilabad, which was once part of a unified district, has a substantial consumer base, with approximately 7.85 lakh domestic LPG connections and nearly 31,000 commercial connections. The district recently drew attention after officials uncovered irregularities in commercial LPG supply, where 19-kg cylinders were allegedly delivered to hotels without proper receipts.Industry sources note that LPG pricing often varies significantly between rural and urban areas, frequently disadvantaging consumers in remote locations. In addition to dynamic pricing by oil companies, transportation plays a critical role in determining final prices, an oil company representative explained. . Major suppliers in the region include Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).Supply chains also differ among these companies. While one supplier operates a direct pipeline from Visakhapatnam to a terminal near Hyderabad, others rely on road transport from Visakhapatnam or more distant hubs such as Chennai and Mangaluru, which adds to freight costs and, ultimately, retail prices.For consumers, the impact extends beyond household kitchens. Rising LPG prices tend to ripple through the local economy, driving up the cost of essential goods. “While people can reduce their use of cooking gas, higher prices will inevitably affect the cost of vegetables, grains, and other necessities,” said P. Ramesh Babu, a private company employee.With no immediate relief in sight, households in districts like Adilabad are preparing for sustained financial strain, as fuel pricing continues to reflect the challenges of distance, distribution, and demand.
