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ECONOMY

Commercial LPG price hike adds to woes of eateries, tea stalls in Erode

The price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders rose to ₹3,194, effective May 1, 2026, up ₹991 from the previous level. Prices had climbed from ₹1,806 in January to ₹2,203 in April, with shortages linked to a West Asia conflict beginning February 28, 2026, causing traders to procure from open markets at ₹4,000–₹6,000 per cylinder. The rise is impacting hotels, eateries, tea stalls, bakeries, and roadside vendors across Erode district.

Why It Matters

The price hike increases operating costs for food businesses in Erode and could affect consumer demand and employment in the sector.

Timeline

5 Events

May 2, 2026: Open-market purchases at ₹4,000–₹6,000 amid limited supply

May 2, 2026

Vendors report limited supply forcing open-market purchases at ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 per cylinder, with hotels, eateries, tea stalls, bakeries, and roadside vendors across Erode district affected by the price hike.

May 1, 2026: ₹991 increase lifts price to ₹3,194

May 1, 2026

An increase of ₹991, effective May 1, 2026, lifted the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder to ₹3,194.

April 2026: ₹2,203 price for 19-kg LPG cylinder

April 2026

Commercial LPG prices rose to ₹2,203 for a 19-kg cylinder in April 2026.

February 28, 2026: West Asia conflict begins, causing supply disruptions

February 28, 2026

Traders attribute the price surge to supply disruptions following the West Asia conflict that began on February 28, 2026, leading to shortages of LPG cylinders.

January 2026: ₹1,806 price for 19-kg LPG cylinder

January 2026

Prices for 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders were ₹1,806 in January 2026.