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You will soon be able to buy a five-kg cooking gas cylinder in retail outlets run by public sector oil marketing companies.
Charged at commercial rates, a five-kg cylinder will cost between Rs 362 and Rs 375. The cost will vary from city to city.
The Government has approved the Free Trade LPG scheme, an official statement said. With this, it is targeting a new category of customers – those who are constantly on the move due to professional reasons and do not want a permanent connection.
“It will serve customers who need flexibility for getting the LPG cylinders as per their convenience and their needs,” the statement said.
However, the oil companies are still not sure whether there will be demand for such cylinders. Besides, the exact market size for five-kg cylinders is still not clear, despite it being in existence for last 15 years.
To begin with, the scheme will be launched on a pilot basis in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bangalore, where these cylinders will be sold with or without domestic pressure regulator (DPR), the statement said. Retail outlets owned by oil marketing companies are accessible to all and are open for longer hours.
At the time of first sale, the cost of equipment (deposit for pressure regulator plus cylinder) and the cost of product at prevailing non-domestic five-kg cylinders price and administrative charges will be payable. At the time of refill, only the cost of product will be payable, the statement said.
Explaining the system, the statement said, a prospective customer at the time of first sale would only be required to give a copy of voter I-card, driving licence, PAN card, Aadhaar card, bank passbook, Employees ID card, passport, student ID or any other such document can act as proof of identity.
The retail outlet would display a demo kit of an ideal kitchen and explain the cylinder connection/disconnection procedure at the time of first sale. However, it would be the customer’s responsibility to use the equipment as per the safety instructions, the statement said.
The companies would not be liable for any loss/damage arising in case of accident during transit or usage. However, oil marketing companies will offer, on request, an insurance policy that will provide cover for loss of life and property in the event of an LPG accident at the customer’s premises.
In-transit insurance cover will not be available. richa.mishra@thehindu.co.in
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