In Ranchi, the rising cost of domestic LPG cylinders is putting pressure on household budgets as prices have now reached Rs 999.5, just shy of Rs 1,000. The recent increase of Rs 29 follows a previous hike of Rs 60 in March, driven by global crude oil price volatility linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Many homemakers are now forced to rethink their spending on essentials like vegetables and milk, as the price of a single cylinder consumes a significant portion of their budget. Some families have attempted to switch to induction cooktops to save on gas, but this has led to higher electricity bills, negating any savings. Students living away from home, like college student Riya Kumari, report that rising cooking costs are also affecting their finances, with mess charges increasing. Despite these concerns, oil companies, including the Indian Oil Corporation, have assured consumers that there is no shortage of LPG supply in the region, urging them not to panic about availability.