New Delhi, October 6
The price of cooking gas (LPG) was increased by Rs 11.42 per cylinder today following a government move to raise commission to dealers.

Petrol and diesel prices too may go up marginally as the Petroleum Ministry is considering raising dealer commission by at least 23 paisa and 10 paisa a litre, respectively.

The commission paid to LPG dealers has been increased from Rs 25.83 per 14.2-kg cylinder to Rs 37.25. The 44 per cent or Rs 11.42 per cylinder increase in the commission on the subsidised gas cylinder is being passed on to end users. Subsidised LPG cylinder in Delhi will now cost Rs 410.42 per cylinder, up from Rs 399.

The hike comes shortly after the government decision to restrict supply of subsidised cooking gas to six cylinders of 14.2-kg size per household in a year. The remaining supplies would have to be bought at market rates to be announced by the oil marketing companies.

The commission paid on market price or non-subsidised LPG too has been raised by Rs 12.17 to Rs 38 per cylinder. Accordingly, a non-subsidised LPG cylinder price will go up from Rs 883.5 to Rs 921.5.

A similar exercise is on to raise commission to petrol pump dealers on sale of petrol and diesel. The ministry is proposing to raise commission paid on petrol by 23 paisa to 1.72 and that on diesel by 10 paisa to Rs 1.01 a litre.

The hike being considered for petrol and diesel is less than 67 paisa and 42 paisa, respectively, being demanded by petrol pump dealers.

While the Opposition slammed the hike, the Congress said it was not the intent of the government to burden the common man and blamed circumstances for the step.