New Delhi, June 8 -- The Centre on Sunday said Indian households continue to pay among the lowest prices for cooking gas globally despite a recent increase in domestic LPG rates, attributing the hike to a sharp rise in international prices following disruptions in West Asia.

The price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder was increased by Rs 29, taking the Delhi retail price to Rs 942 from Rs 913. Beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) will continue to receive a subsidy of Rs 300 per refill on the first four refills annually, effectively paying Rs 642 per cylinder.

The latest increase comes after a Rs 60 hike in March, taking the cumulative rise this year to Rs 89 per cylinder. According to the government, state-run oil ...