Gas Cylinder Booking: A Major Warning for Households with Gas Cylinders! Central Government Implements New Rules for Booking..
With the arrival of April in every financial year, several economic and social regulations that impact the daily lives of common citizens change. One such area concerns the gas cylinders that are an essential fixture in every household. In light of rising demand for gas and prevailing conditions in the international market, the Central Government is continuously introducing new policies. In this context, five significant changes regarding the usage, distribution, and pricing of LPG cylinders came into effect on April 1st. Due to a lack of information, many consumers are currently facing difficulties. Let us explore these five regulations, which impact not only domestic consumers but also small-scale traders!
**Major Changes in Pricing:** Since April 1st, significant changes have been observed in the prices of commercial gas cylinders. However, there is a silver lining for the common man: the price of the standard 14.2-kilogram domestic cylinder remains unchanged, currently retailing at ₹913 in Delhi. Conversely, the price of the 19-kilogram commercial cylinder—typically used in hotels and restaurants—has seen an increase of ₹195.50. Consequently, the price of this cylinder has risen to ₹2,078.50. Similarly, the price of the 5-kilogram 'Chhotu' cylinder—utilized by small families and single individuals—has also gone up by ₹51, reaching a price point of approximately ₹700. These price hikes are a direct result of global oil market trends.
**Extended Booking Interval:** Until now, consumers were required to wait only 21 days after booking a cylinder before they could book a second one. However, this "lock-in period" rule has now been revised. Customers residing in urban areas must now observe a mandatory waiting period of exactly 25 days between two consecutive bookings. In rural areas, this interval has been set at 45 days. This regulation applies exclusively to the standard 14.2-kilogram domestic cylinders. Oil companies have implemented this decision to curb illegal hoarding and ensure a consistent supply of gas to all eligible beneficiaries.
**PNG Connection Deadline:** In the interest of the environment, the government has taken a strict decision regarding areas where Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is available through pipelines. According to the latest directives, if customers in PNG-serviced areas do not obtain a PNG connection by June 24, their LPG supply will be discontinued. This deadline has been established to alleviate the logistical burden of transporting gas cylinders and to reduce pollution. If piped gas is available in your locality, it is advisable to obtain a connection immediately.
**Biometric e-KYC Mandatory:** To curb the misuse of subsidies provided on gas cylinders, the government has made biometric Aadhaar authentication (e-KYC) mandatory. Customers can complete this process from the comfort of their homes using the respective oil company's mobile app—specifically the "Aadhaar Face RD" application—thereby eliminating the need to visit a gas agency in person. PMUY beneficiaries are required to complete this procedure only once during the current financial year. Failure to complete the KYC process carries the risk of the gas booking being cancelled.
**LPG ATM:** According to News18 Telugu, Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) has launched the country's first 24x7 LPG ATM in Gurugram. This innovation makes obtaining a gas cylinder as simple as withdrawing cash from a bank ATM, allowing customers to collect a cylinder at any time of the day or night. This service is slated for nationwide expansion in the near future. It is expected to prove immensely beneficial to customers, particularly in emergencies.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
