KOCHI: In a major relief to LPG consumers, Public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have slashed the price of 19 KG commercial LPG gas cylinders by Rs 158. With this, there will be a reduction of Rs 160.50 per cylinder in Kerala. The new rate has come into force in the country. The new price is Rs 1,558.5 in Thiruvananthapuram, Rs 1,537.5 in Kochi, and Rs 1,570 in Kozhikode. Consumers have to pay 18 percent GST in addition to this.

The reduced prices will be a little relief for those running restaurants and other similar establishments. Oil companies had earlier reduced the price of a cylinder for domestic use by Rs.200 as the directive of the central government,.