October price hikes strain Indian households

The first week of October has brought an abrupt rise in living costs for ordinary Indians. Commercial LPG cylinders of 19 kg are now priced 62.50 rupees higher, pushing the Delhi rate to 2,810 rupees and the Mumbai rate to 2,764 rupees. Patna reports the steepest increase of 71.50 rupees.

Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) has also been raised by up to 16 rupees per litre, adding pressure to airline operating expenses that already account for about 40% of total costs. With Diwali, Dussehra and Chhath in the pipeline, airlines may lift ticket prices.

Domestic electronics such as smart TVs, split ACs, refrigerators and washing machines have seen a 5‑8% price jump, translating to an extra outlay of roughly 1,200 to 3,500 rupees per unit. The hike follows global spikes in copper, steel and aluminium.

Passport fees for the normal category have been lifted by around 1,000 rupees, raising the cost of new applications and renewals. Combined, these adjustments could tighten budgets during the busiest festive and wedding season of the year.