Ludhiana, June 8 -- The latest increase in domestic LPG prices has added to the financial burden on households across Ludhiana, with residents saying the higher cost of cooking fuel is further straining monthly budgets already stretched by rising prices of essential commodities.

The price of a domestic LPG cylinder has increased by Rs.29, taking the cost from Rs.940 to Rs.969, the second time in three months as global energy supply remained affected over West Asia crisis. Residents said the hike comes at a time when expenditure on groceries, cooking oil, flour and other household necessities has already risen considerably, leaving families with little room to absorb additional costs.

Many residents said the increase may appear modest in...