LPG prices in Hyderabad have climbed to Rs 580 per kilogram, forcing households to spend more on cooking fuel as natural gas shortages continue across the city.
The increase has placed additional pressure on families already struggling with rising living costs. Many residents now depend on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) because piped gas supplies remain unreliable.
However, the prices charged by local retailers are almost double the official rates set by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
LPG Prices Exceed Official OGRA Rates
For October 2026, OGRA fixed the maximum consumer price of LPG at Rs 279.34 per kilogram. The official price of an 11.8kg domestic cylinder stands at Rs 3,296.23.
Despite these rates, retailers in Hyderabad are reportedly selling LPG for Rs 550 to Rs 580 per kilogram.
This means consumers are paying more than Rs 300 extra for every kilogram compared with the regulated price. The difference has led to complaints from residents, who have questioned why retailers are charging significantly more than the official rate.
LPG Association Raises Overcharging Concerns
Abdul Qadir, general secretary of the LPG Union Association Hyderabad, has accused registered producers of supplying LPG to retailers at unusually high prices.
According to Qadir, producers are charging Rs 520 per kilogram or more, leaving retailers unable to sell the fuel at OGRA’s notified rate.
He said the association had submitted complaints to OGRA and LPG companies. Local administration officials have also been informed. Qadir added that 5 LPG plants operate in Hyderabad and the surrounding areas of Jamshoro and Kotri. He suggested that reducing government taxes could help bring prices down.
However, the allegations of overcharging and black marketing require investigation by the relevant authorities.
Natural Gas Shortages Increase LPG Demand
Hyderabad’s daily LPG demand has reportedly exceeded 50 tonnes as more households turn to cylinders for cooking. Residents continue facing irregular natural gas supplies from Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC).
Piped gas is generally available during three-hour morning, afternoon and evening periods. However, low pressure and delays often prevent families from cooking during these hours.
Some residents have also complained that air flows through their gas pipelines for 15 to 20 minutes before the actual gas supply begins.
As a result, households increasingly rely on LPG cylinders to prepare meals.
Higher LPG Costs Affect Businesses
Around 250 shops across Hyderabad district reportedly sell LPG.
The fuel is widely used by households, restaurants, hotels, tea stalls and small businesses. Rickshaws, Qingqi rickshaws, mini-taxis and Suzuki vehicles also depend on LPG. With prices reaching Rs580 per kilogram, operating costs have increased for many businesses. Restaurants and food vendors may also pass these additional expenses on to customers through higher food prices.
For families, the situation is particularly difficult because both cooking gas and everyday meals are becoming more expensive.
Women Protest Gas Shortages in Latifabad
Residents have also taken to the streets over prolonged gas outages.
Women from Amani Shah Colony in Latifabad’s Unit 11 staged a protest at Khuda Hafiz Board Chari. The demonstrators blocked traffic and raised slogans against SSGC management, demanding regular natural gas supplies. Their protest reflected growing frustration among households struggling to manage daily cooking needs.
Residents Demand Action on Gas Prices
The sharp increase in LPG prices has raised concerns about enforcement of OGRA’s official rates. Residents want authorities to investigate alleged overcharging and ensure that retailers follow regulated prices.
At the same time, SSGC faces pressure to improve natural gas supplies across Hyderabad.
Until supply conditions improve and pricing complaints are addressed, households and small businesses will continue facing higher costs for an essential daily fuel.
