LPG and Fuel Prices Hold Steady Amid Middle East War Supply Disruptions
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, prices for LPG cylinders, petrol, and diesel have remained unchanged across major Indian cities as of March 18, 2026. However, supply pressures and fears of shortages have triggered panic buying and black marketing, leading to long queues at gas agencies and concerns over commercial LPG availability for restaurants and eateries.
LPG Cylinder Rates Unchanged Despite Recent Hike
The rates for domestic and commercial LPG cylinders were last revised on March 7, 2026, with a Rs 60 increase for domestic cylinders (14.2 kg) and a Rs 115 hike for commercial cylinders. Despite the ongoing war impacting shipments from the Middle East, particularly through the critical Strait of Hormuz, the government has assured no shortage for domestic usage. However, the de-prioritization of commercial cylinder supply has forced many food establishments to consider shutdowns.
Efforts to stabilize supplies are ongoing, as evidenced by the arrival of the oil tanker Jag Ladki at Gujarat's Mundra port. India imports a substantial portion of its LPG from the Middle East, making the situation worrisome for consumers and businesses alike.
City-Wise LPG Cylinder Prices for March 18, 2026
- Delhi: Domestic Rs 913.00 | Commercial Rs 1,883.00 – Rs 1,884.50
- Mumbai: Domestic Rs 912.50 | Commercial Rs 1,835.00 – Rs 1,836.00
- Kolkata: Domestic Rs 939.00 | Commercial Rs 1,988.50 – Rs 1,990.00
- Chennai: Domestic Rs 928.50 | Commercial Rs 2,043.50
- Bengaluru: Domestic Rs 915.50 | Commercial Rs 1,910.00
- Hyderabad: Domestic Rs 905.00 – Rs 965.00 | Commercial Rs 1,900.00
- Ahmedabad: Domestic Rs 910.00 | Commercial Rs 1,870.00
- Jaipur: Domestic Rs 915.00 – Rs 916.50 | Commercial Rs 1,890.00
- Lucknow: Domestic Rs 915.00 | Commercial Rs 1,900.00
- Pune: Domestic Rs 915.00 | Commercial Rs 1,900.00
- Chandigarh: Domestic Rs 910.00 – Rs 922.50 | Commercial Rs 1,880.00
Petrol and Diesel Prices Unchanged Despite Global Crude Spike
Petrol and diesel prices have also remained stable today, even as international crude oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, with Iran threatening potential hikes to $200 if the war continues. India, which sources around 40% of its crude oil from the Middle East, has benefited from the availability of Russian crude, helping to cushion the impact.
The government has not raised fuel prices for now, with the expectation that oil marketing companies or reduced excise duties will absorb the rising Brent crude and other international rates in the near term.
City-Wise Petrol and Diesel Prices for March 18, 2026
- Delhi: Petrol - Rs 94.77 | Diesel - Rs 87.67
- Mumbai: Petrol - Rs 103.49 | Diesel - Rs 90.03
- Bengaluru: Petrol - Rs 102.99 | Diesel - Rs 91.06
- Chennai: Petrol - Rs 100.80 | Diesel - Rs 92.39
- Kolkata: Petrol - Rs 105.45 | Diesel - Rs 92.02
The combination of geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions underscores the fragile balance in India's energy sector, with consumers and businesses closely monitoring developments in the Middle East for any further impacts on availability and pricing.
