LPG cylinder rates rise: ₹60 domestic, ₹115 commercial from March 7

LPG cylinder rates rise: ₹60 domestic, ₹115 commercial from March 7


Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized that India’s crude and LPG stocks are sufficient, with imports from diversified sources, including the US and Russia, ensuring uninterrupted supply.
| Photo Credit:
JOTHI RAMALINGAM B

The price of domestic LPG cylinders has been increased with effect from Saturday, March 7, with the cost of a 14.2-kg household cooking gas cylinder rising by Rs 60 across the country, according to sources.

Similarly, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder has also been increased by Rs 115 from the same date, impacting businesses such as hotels, restaurants and small commercial establishments.

City-wise rate hike

As per the source, the price of a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi has increased from Rs 853 to Rs 913. In Mumbai, the new rate of a domestic LPG cylinder now stands at Rs 912.50, up from Rs 852.50 earlier. In Kolkata, the price has risen from Rs 879 to Rs 030, while in Chennai it has increased from Rs 868.50 to Rs 928.50. The revised rates will come into effect immediately from today.

Commercial users burdened

The hike also applies to commercial LPG cylinders used by businesses. In Delhi, the price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder has increased from Rs 1768.50 to Rs 1883. In Mumbai, the price has risen from Rs 1720.50 to Rs 1835. Similarly, in Kolkata, the price has gone up from Rs 1875.50 to Rs 1990, while in Chennai it has increased from Rs 1929 to Rs 2043.50.

Long-awaited price revision

Earlier, the price of a domestic LPG cylinder had remained unchanged since April 2025, when the non-subsidised rate in Delhi stood at Rs 853. The latest revision marks a significant increase for household consumers as well as commercial users who rely on LPG for daily operations.

Government reassures citizens

The increase comes amid discussions around India’s energy supply and fuel availability. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri earlier assured that there is no shortage of energy in the country and that consumers need not worry about supply disruptions.

“Our priority is to ensure the availability of affordable and sustainable fuel for our citizens, and we are doing it comfortably. There is no shortage of energy in India, and there is no cause of worry for our energy consumers,” the minister said in a post on X.

Oil company clarifies situation

Meanwhile, Indian Oil Corporation also dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting a shortage of petrol and diesel in the country, terming them baseless.

“India has sufficient fuel stocks, and supply and distribution networks are functioning normally. IndianOil is committed to maintaining uninterrupted fuel supply across the country. Citizens are requested not to panic or crowd fuel stations and to rely only on official sources for accurate information,” the company said in a statement on X.

Energy security assured

Earlier on Friday, government sources said India is in a “very comfortable position” regarding crude oil, petroleum products and LPG supplies despite concerns over disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the sources, the country currently has access to more energy supplies from diversified sources than the volume that could potentially be impacted through the Strait of Hormuz. India’s existing stock of crude oil and petroleum products is also adequate to meet domestic demand.

Monitoring supply closely

Sources said the government is closely monitoring the situation and plans to ramp up supplies from alternative geographies to offset any potential supply constraints linked to the Strait of Hormuz. They highlighted that India has significantly diversified its crude import basket over the past few years.

Rising Russian imports

Since 2022, India has been importing crude oil from Russia. While Russia accounted for only 0.2 per cent of India’s total crude imports in 2022, the share has risen substantially in the following years. “In February, India imported about 20 per cent of its total crude oil imports from Russia, amounting to around 1.04 million barrels per day,” government sources said.

LPG production boosted

On the LPG front, the government has directed all LPG refineries to increase production to ensure adequate availability across the country. Officials said India currently remains in a comfortable position regarding LPG stocks.

US LPG imports start

LPG from the US has started coming to India since January, the sources said. Indian PSU Oil companies in November 2025 has signed a one-year contract to import around 2.2 MTPA of LPG from the US Gulf Coast for the contract year 2026.

Published on March 7, 2026



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सस्ते में बिक रहा सोना, ईरान में जंग के बीच यहां गोल्ड पर भारी डिस्काउंट; जानें आखिर क्यों?

सस्ते में बिक रहा सोना, ईरान में जंग के बीच यहां गोल्ड पर भारी डिस्काउंट; जानें आखिर क्यों?


Gold in Dubai: मिडिल ईस्ट में बढ़ते तनाव के साथ ग्लोबल मार्केट में रुकावट आने के संकेत मिल रहे हैं. जैसे-जैसे ईरान में जंग का माहौल गहराता जा रहा है, वैसे-वैसे संकट गहराता रहा है. इस बीच एक ऐसा शहर है, जो सस्ते में सोना बेच रहा है.

एक तरफ जहां युद्ध की इस स्थिति में सुरक्षित निवेश के रूप में सोने की कीमतें बढ़ने का डर है, दूसरी तरफ यहां सोना कम से कम कीमत पर बेचा रहा है. यहां दुबई की बात की जा रही है, जो इंटरनेशनल गोल्ड ट्रेड कैपिटल है. लॉजिस्टिक्स में आई रुकावटों और कम होती डिमांड के बीच दुबई में भारी डिस्काउंट पर गोल्ड बेचा जा रहा है. 

क्यों दुबई में सोने पर मिल रहा डिस्काउंट? 

दुबई को अपने बड़े बुलियन ट्रेडिंग मार्केट की वजह से ‘सिटी ऑफ गोल्ड’ के नाम से जाना जाता है. दुबई आमतौर पर कम इंपोर्ट ड्यूटी और टैक्स की वजह से भारत को प्रीमियम रेट पर सोना बेचता है. अब सवाल आता है कि दुबई जंग के इस माहौल में सस्ते में क्यों सोना बेच रहा है?

दरअसल, ईरान पर अमेरिका और इजरायल के हमलों और तेहरान की इस पर जवाबी कार्रवाई के बीच Airspace बंद होने और फ्लाइट्स कैंसिल होने के चलते दुबई के कारोबारी अपना स्टॉक देश के बाहर नहीं भेज पा रहे हैं. स्टॉक्स के लगातार जमा होने और एक्सपोर्ट रुकने की स्थिति में दुबई के डीलर अपना माल निकालने के लिए 30 डॉलर प्रति औंस तक डिस्काउंट दे रहा है.

सोने पर डिस्काउंट देने की एक और वजह है कि युद्ध के कारण अनिश्चितता के इस माहौल में दुबई में पर्यटकों का आना कम हो गया है. इसके चलते खरीदारी भी कम हुई है और सोना सस्ता हुआ है. 

भारत पर इसका असर

भारत सोने की अपनी जरूरत का एक बड़ा हिस्सा दूसरे देशों से इम्पोर्ट करता है. भारत जो सोना इंपोर्ट करता है, उसका एक बड़ा हिस्सा दुबई से होकर गुजरता है. ईरान में जंग की वजह से सप्लाई में कोई भी कमी भारत पर तुरंत असर डालेगी.

एनालिस्ट कह रहे हैं कि अगर यह स्थिति बनी रही, तो इससे भारत के जेम्स और ज्वेलरी सेक्टर के लिए सप्लाई की दिक्कतें पैदा हो सकती हैं. अगर सोने की सप्लाई धीमी होती है, तो भारत में कीमतें बढ़ सकती हैं. ऊपर से भारत में शादियों और त्योहारों का पीक सीजन बस आने ही वाला है इसलिए सोने की कीमतों में कोई और तेजी कंज्यूमर डिमांड पर असर डालेगा. 

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Middle East Tensions: यूएस-ईरान वॉर के भारत के ऊपर हो रहे ये 5 बड़े साइड इफैक्ट्स, अब आगे क्या होगा?



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Iranian warship IRIS Lavan docks at Cochin Port after technical issues

Iranian warship IRIS Lavan docks at Cochin Port after technical issues


A Sri Lanka Navy vessel approaches an Iranian vessel during a rescue operation, a day after the crew of a distressed Iranian military ship, IRIS Dena were assisted in waters south of Sri Lanka, off the coast of Colombo, Sri Lanka March 5, 2026. (A representative image)
| Photo Credit:
SRI LANKAN NAVY

An Iranian warship, IRIS Lavan, has been permitted to dock at Cochin Port after the vessel reported technical problems while operating in the region.

Government sources said the ship, carrying 183 crew members, requested permission on February 28 to enter the port for repairs. The request was approved on March 1, and the vessel anchored at the port on March 4. The crew members have been provided accommodation at nearby naval facilities.

Sources said that the development comes days after the incident involving the Iranian warship IRIS Dena south of Sri Lanka. IRIS Lavan was also present in the region around the same time.

The development comes amid rising tensions in the Indian Ocean region following reports that the United States sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka after it was reportedly struck by a torpedo fired from a US submarine.

Published on March 6, 2026



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West Asia conflict: Rupee ends week 77 paise weaker

West Asia conflict: Rupee ends week 77 paise weaker


Rupee closed the week ended March 6 (Friday), 2027, at 91.74 per US dollar.

The rupee saw a see-saw movement during the week amid the West Asia conflict, spike in crude oil prices and FPI-related outflows from the domestic equity markets, plunging to a record closing low of 92.15 per US dollar on March 4 and making a smart recovery to 91.60 the next day on heavy RBI intervention.

The Indian currency closed the week ended March 6, , at 91.74 per US dollar, down 77 paise as compared with the previous Friday’s close of 90.97. It touched an all-time intraday low of 92.30 on Wednesday.

Amit Pabari, MD, CR Forex Advisors, said that over the past week, the rupee has traded under significant pressure, largely driven by global developments rather than domestic factors.

“With tensions escalating in the Middle East region, Brent crude has surged close to $87 per barrel. For an oil-import-dependent economy like India, even a moderate rise in crude prices carries significant macroeconomic implications.

“A $10 increase in oil prices could expand India’s import bill by nearly $15 billion and widen the current account deficit by about 0.3 per cent of GDP. This effectively translates into stronger dollar demand and increasing pressure on the rupee,” he said.

Pabari observed that against this backdrop, dollar/rupee moved back toward the 92.30 levels during the week on Wednesday, reflecting both higher oil-driven dollar demand and cautious global investor sentiment.

However, the Reserve Bank of India stepped in with intervention on Thursday, pushing the rupee back toward the 91.50 levels and offering temporary relief to the currency, which triggered a sharp one-day rebound toward the end of the week.

“While this is a strategy the RBI has deployed in the past to curb excessive volatility, such support may prove difficult to sustain if strong and persistent dollar demand continues in the market. Going forward, a sustained rise in crude oil prices, continued FII outflows, a strengthening dollar index, and any further escalation in geopolitical tensions are likely to keep the rupee under pressure.

“Technically, the 91.20–91.50 zone is emerging as strong support for USD/INR. On the upside, the pair remains vulnerable. A gradual move toward the 92.50–93.00 region could still be seen as global risks and oil prices remain elevated,” Pabari said.

Moody’s Ratings has warned that costly energy imports in the wake of the Middle East conflict would weaken the rupee, raise inflation, worsen the current account balance and complicate monetary policy as well as fiscal management if they lead to expanded subsidies to help offset the economic shock, warned.

Published on March 6, 2026



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SAT partly allows Kotak AMC appeal, upholds SEBI penalties in Essel FMP case

SAT partly allows Kotak AMC appeal, upholds SEBI penalties in Essel FMP case


The case involved investments in zero-coupon debentures of Essel-linked firms backed by Zee Entertainment shares

The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has partly allowed an appeal filed by Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company (Kotak AMC) in a case related to investments by its fixed maturity plans (FMPs) in Essel Group-linked entities, while upholding penalties imposed by the market regulator.

In an order dated March 6, the tribunal set aside a direction issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) requiring Kotak AMC to disgorge a portion of the investment management and advisory fees collected from investors in six FMP schemes. However, it upheld findings of regulatory lapses and dismissed a separate appeal challenging monetary penalties imposed on the asset manager, its trustee company and certain officials.

The case relates to investments made by Kotak Mutual Fund’s six closed-ended FMPs in zero-coupon non-convertible debentures issued by Essel Group-linked firms Konti Infrapower & Multiventures and Edison Utility Works. The investments were backed by pledged shares of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, part of the Essel Group.

The tribunal held that the fund house had failed to exercise adequate due diligence while making the investments, noting that the decisions were largely based on the reputation of the Essel Group and the pledged shares rather than the financial strength of the issuer entities.

SAT also observed that Kotak AMC delayed informing investors about adverse developments after the share price of Zee Entertainment fell sharply in January 2019, reducing the value of the pledged collateral.

However, the tribunal found that SEBI’s direction to disgorge management fees was not justified because investors ultimately received their full dues with interest, and no “wrongful gain” by the asset manager had been established.

“Investors repose trust in mutual fund companies and invest their hard-earned money,” the tribunal said, adding that the lapses in due diligence and delayed disclosures warranted regulatory penalties.

While setting aside the disgorgement order, SAT upheld the penalties imposed by SEBI on the fund house and its officials, including managing director Nilesh Shah. The tribunal also granted an eight-week extension of the stay on penalties to allow the appellants to approach the Supreme Court.

A Kotak AMC spokesperson said it will carefully review the detailed judgment once it becomes available. It said there was no impact on the existing schemes or unit holders of the AMC.

Published on March 6, 2026



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SEBI introduces folio lock to enhance mutual fund security from April 30

SEBI introduces folio lock to enhance mutual fund security from April 30


SEBI’s move aims to safeguard investor assets and prevent unauthorized debits, giving mutual fund investors more control over their portfolios while maintaining operational flexibility.

In a bid to promote the digital security of units of investors in Mutual Funds, the capital market regulator SEBI has introduced a voluntary debit freeze facility across demat and non-demat folios.

The move will ensure that no units are debited from such folios until they are unlocked. The facility will come into effect from April 30.

In the first phase, the RTAs will provide the facility to lock the folio to investors through the MF Central platform.

It will be enabled only for KYC-compliant investors with valid email IDs and mobile numbers, SEBI said.

AMFI will prescribe the detailed process for locking and unlocking of folios to all AMCs / RTAs and will also provide the processes to be followed by different types of investors after due consultation with SEBI.

AMFI is also advised to prescribe a detailed list of financial and non-financial transactions that may be allowed during the lock-in period to AMCs/RTAs.

Published on March 6, 2026



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