New Delhi, Aug 1 — Traders, shopkeepers and customers across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh on Saturday welcomed the government’s decision to reduce commercial LPG cylinder prices, saying the move would provide much-needed relief to small businesses and help ease inflationary pressure.

Commercial LPG prices saw a significant reduction on Saturday, with the price of a 19-kg cylinder cut by up to Rs 209 across major cities. The retail price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder has been reduced by Rs 202 in Delhi and Rs 209 in Kolkata, effective August 1. Following the revision, the price stands at Rs 2,738 per cylinder in Delhi and Rs 2,872 per cylinder in Kolkata.

Speaking to IANS, traders and customers said the reduction would lower operating costs for businesses that rely heavily on commercial LPG. A trader in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj expressed gratitude for the decision and said high cylinder prices had earlier forced many shopkeepers to raise product prices. He noted that the cost of a cup of tea at his shop had increased from Rs 10 to Rs 15, resulting in a near 50 per cent drop in customers. The latest cut, he said, would provide relief to both traders and consumers.

In Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, a shopkeeper described the move as a positive step for the public. He said lower LPG prices would have a cascading effect on the cost of other goods, making several essential items more affordable and benefiting both businesses and consumers. A customer in the same town welcomed the Rs 202 reduction, expressing hope that it would help moderate inflation and that prices might ease further if global conditions improve.

Traders in Prayagraj also reacted favourably. One said the government’s initiative would help address the difficulties caused by high cylinder prices and was in the interest of the trading community. Another noted that the reduction would significantly lower business expenses and help small enterprises sustain their operations more effectively.

In Maharajganj, a trader said the price cut was welcome news for businesses dependent on LPG and expressed hope for further declines that could attract more customers. He added that earlier increases in cylinder costs had compelled sweet-shop owners and other enterprises to raise product prices, affecting sales and footfall.

The reduction in commercial LPG prices is expected to benefit restaurants, tea stalls, sweet shops and other small businesses that depend on commercial cylinders for their daily operations.