The government is planning to launch 2 kg bottles for LPG cylinders at local kirana stores which will be beneficial for the rural people and poor who cannot afford to pay the price of a 14.2-kg or even 5-kg cylinder. To begin with, the penetration of 5-kg cylinder will be increased. New subsidized connections of 5-kg cylinders in rural as well as far flung areas will be issued in first place. Additionally, it has introduced online booking of new connections for subsidized cooking fuel.
Further, the 2 kg cylinders will provide the LPG requirements for all sections of society including economically weaker families, students and migrant labourers who do not have proof of address due to acquiring residence on temporary basis. While talking about online booking of the LPG connection, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said that consumers can book a new connection online which will be verified within 48 hours and a person from the nearest LPG agency will deliver a new connection at the door-step in next 3 to 4 days. The online booking will benefit end hassles customers face in running to gas agencies for getting a new LPG connection.
At present, LPG is available in 14.2-kg cylinders, which are not very convenient to carry and its cost at Rs 418 is considered high for poor and rural population. A 5-kg cylinder which was introduced in October 2013 is priced at Rs 155.