With widespread confusion and viral reports implying an imminent change in the booking rules of LPG cylinders in India, the Government has since clarified the fact that no changes have been brought about in LPG cylinders and there has not been any such proposal at all. But customers’ concerns over LPG availability and booking delays were growing.
The time taken for LPG cylinders booking is still there in the city and rural areas, the government said. In urban places, they can book a refill for 25 days after the previous delivery, whereas in rural areas it takes 45 days. The government said there is enough stock in LPG all across India, so consumers shouldn’t be scared.
The rumours had suggested that oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation, had extended the booking window of 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinders from 25 days to 35 days, which was a charge by others, as well, that those with double-cylinder connections would have to wait until the date of 25 days for the new booking to go through and customers are waiting more for new booking to be opened with new connections. Additional claims were reported saying that the beneficiaries from the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana can spend up to 45 days waiting for their next refill.
These claims are categorically denied by the government. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) issued a statement saying no new restrictions had been introduced and its refill booking rules are still being enforced. LPG services were made available and we should not believe this," said officials on the calls of residents.
We suspect that the confusion has been misinterpreted as a result of internal supply management practices, even unverified information from social media. In the meantime, LPG distribution is ongoing and we are working as much as possible to provide the services to all of the regions as usual.
Experts also noted that false information about essential operations like cooking gas can cause panic and inconvenience. Users are told to only rely on official announcements and confirmed sites in that regard to booking and delivery through LPG.
The government’s reassurance would go some way in calming public confidence in the LPG distribution and hence maintaining trust in its system, which is very much important for people in India so far.
There has not been any change in LPG booking and consumers can still follow the existing timelines. The government has again underscored the requirement to check information before we startle the consumer to pay for it and this time in the interest of commodities.
