India, June 8 -- Hours after prices of domestic LPG cylinders were raised by Rs 29 per cylinder, the Union Government on Sunday defended its decision, saying Indian households continue to pay among the lowest prices for cooking gas globally, and far below the price paid in advanced economies such as the United States, Australia and Canada, despite a sharp rise in international LPG prices triggered by disruptions in West Asia.

The latest increase takes the price of a domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi from Rs 913 to Rs 942. It follows a Rs 60 increase announced on March 7, taking the cumulative rise over the past three months to Rs 89.

"Following the June contract price, the cost of supplying a 14.2 kg cylinder, were it priced on an import-l...