Gas customers can get mini 5-kg cylinder at subsidised rate

In a move that will give cooking gas consumer more choice, state oil marketing companies have started selling mini 5-kg LPG cylinders at subsidised rates. Till now, cooking gas (LPG) was available for domestic use in 14.2-kg cylinders. Consumers were entitled to 12 such bottles in a year at subsidised rate of Rs 417 in Delhi. Now the subsidised cooking gas is also available in 5-kg packs, costing Rs 155 per such cylinder in Delhi.

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told Rajya Sabha today that consumers can avail of 34 cylinders of 5-kg in a year at subsidised rates. Any requirement beyond that would have to be bought at market price of Rs 351 per bottle. Like the 14.2-kg cylinders, the mini subsidised packs are available at the regular LPG dealer or distributors. 5-kg LPG cylinders are available at select petrol pumps but at market price of Rs 351.

"Public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) have reported that they are already marketing subsidised 5-kg cylinders up to 34 cylinders in a year per connection. Consumption beyond 34 cylinders in a year is at non-subsidised rate," he told Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a question. The mini-LPG cylinder gives an option to people with small income to buy a refill at subsidised rate without having to shell out large sum of money.

Households now have the option to buy 12 cylinders of 14.2-kg each at subsidised rate in a year or 34 bottles of 5-kg each at the below-market price per annum. Any requirement beyond that is to be met through purchase of cooking gas at market price - Rs 752 per 14.2-kg cylinder and Rs 351 per 5-kg bottle.