Starting May 1, 2026, the government raised the prices of both commercial LPG cylinders and 5 kg “chotu” cylinders by ₹261 each. The price hike applies to the small 5 kg cylinders used by those who need less gas or often move locations.
This price hike follows a similar rise in April 2026 when the 5 kg cylinders increased by ₹51 each. However, this month’s increase of ₹261 is more significant. In contrast, the prices of domestic cylinders remain unaffected by this rise.
How to Buy 5 Kg LPG Cylinders
These 5 kg cylinders, designed for people with small gas needs or those who frequently shift homes, are available under the Free Trade LPG (FTL) scheme. India’s leading oil companies, Bharat Petroleum and Indian Oil, offer these cylinders under the brands Bharat Gas Mini and Indane Chotu, respectively.
One of the main advantages of these cylinders is that they don’t require an address proof for purchase. As long as the buyer has a valid government ID, such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card, or driver’s license, they can easily buy one.
Hotel Owners Face Steep LPG Price Hikes
The commercial LPG cylinders used by hotels and restaurants have also seen significant price hikes. Over the past year, the cost of these cylinders has risen dramatically. For instance, the price of a commercial gas cylinder has increased by ₹1430 from ₹1669 at the end of 2025 to ₹3099 by May 2026.
In the first few months of 2026 alone, the price of these cylinders has risen by ₹1430, with increases of ₹111 in January, ₹49.50 in February, ₹141.50 in March, and ₹195 in April per cylinder. This sharp rise has affected many establishments relying on commercial cylinders.
