LPG or liquefied petroleum gas commonly used for domestic cooking purposes was traditionally available in 14.2-kg cylinders. In October, 2013, the Union Government introduced 5-kg cylinders of LPG available at all LPG distribution centres in the country at subsidised rates. After the successful penetration of the market with 5-kg cylinders, the Government now plans to launch mini 2-kg cylinders, which will be available at kirana stores.
Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said: "We are now planning to introduce a 2-kg cylinder that can be easily carried. This will be particularly beneficial for the rural people and poor who cannot afford to pay the price of a 14.2-kg or even 5-kg cylinder."
The Objective
The main objective of the introduction of 2-kg bottles of cylinder would be to cater to people who do not have proof of address due to acquiring residence on temporary basis:
- Students: It’s for students who are living alone and often shifting base and cook mini meals for themselves. Students do not require the traditional 14.2 kg cylinder and in most cases, neither do they have the space for the same.
- Economically Weaker Families: Even with the subsidised rates, many families in India cannot afford to pay for a 14.2-kg cylinder. The 2-kg cylinder will be affordable, and as a result, they do not need to opt for other unhealthy means of cooking.
- Migrant Labourers: India has a vast population of migrant labourers who lead a nomadic life shifting from site to site according to work available. A 2-kg cylinder will come as a boon to them as it will be easy for them to carry it along, and exchange it at a kirana store in their next location.
- The government plans to launch a marketing strategy with options of buying cylinders of weighing 2kg, 5 kg, 10 kg and 14.2 kg.
- The plan is to meet the requirement as well as the paying capacity of consumers from all types of economic background: rich or poor.
- The government wants to scale up the coverage with the option of including new brands if required.
- The focus is also to increase the domestic production of LPG to ensure adequate availability in line with projected demand.
- Bribes for a new connection will come to an end.
- Booking an LPG or a new connection will become hassle-free.
- The initiative will save time.
- Consumers can track cylinder booking and delivery dates.
- Consumers can choose the distributor.
- MyLPG portal is available on phones, tablets and computers.
- They can even keep track of Aadhaar linking status, monitor LPG subsidy transferred to bank and surrender their connection online.
