LPG price hiked by Rs 16.50 per cylinder; ATF by 0.6%

The hike accompanies the Rs 1.69 a litre hike in petrol and 50 paisa a litre in diesel

Price of non-subsidised cooking gas (LPG) was today hiked by Rs 16.50 per cylinder and that of jet fuel by over half-a-per cent after international oil prices surged due to the ongoing Iraq crisis.

The increase in rates of non-subsidised LPG and ATF accompanies the Rs 1.69 a litre hike in petrol and 50 paisa a litre in diesel announced yesterday.

The price of non-subsidised LPG, which customers buy after using up their quota of 12 subsidised cylinders, was raised by Rs 16.50 per 14.2-kg cylinder, the first hike in six months.

Each non-subsidised 14.2-kg cooking gas cylinder will now cost Rs 922.50 in Delhi, up from Rs 906, according to Indian Oil Corp (IOC), the nation's largest oil firm.

Non-subsidised LPG rates were last month cut by Rs 23.50 per cylinder.

A subsidised LPG cylinder in Delhi costs Rs 414.

Today's hike breaks the declining trend that started in February with a Rs 107 cut in rates to Rs 1,134 per cylinder.

It was followed by a Rs 53.5 per cylinder reduction in March to Rs 1,080.50, by Rs 100 to Rs 980.50 in April, by Rs 52 in May and by Rs 23.50 cut last month.

IOC said losses on LPG have risen to Rs 449 per subsidised cylinder from Rs 432.71 in the previous month. The loss was Rs 762.50 in January.

Separately, the price of jet fuel or aviation turbine fuel (ATF), at Delhi was increased by Rs 413.78 per kilolitre (kl), or 0.6%, to Rs 70,161.76 per kl.

The increase follows three straight monthly reduction, the last one of Rs 1,285.89 per kl, or 1.81%, which came into effect on June 1.

In Mumbai, jet fuel costs Rs 72,411.21 per kl as against Rs 71,940.36 per kl previously, IOC said. The rates vary because of differences in local sales tax or VAT.

Jet fuel constitutes over 40% of an airline's operating costs and the price hike will increase the financial burden of cash-strapped carriers.

No immediate comments were available from airlines on the impact of the price increase on passenger fares.

The three fuel retailers -- IOC, Hindustan Petroleum Corp and Bharat Petroleum Corp -- revise jet fuel and non-subsidised LPG prices on the first of every month, based on the average international prices in the preceding month.