May 1 lpg rule changes
New LPG rules from May 1 may further tighten booking and delivery systems amid rising fuel prices. Citizens across India are bracing for changes that could complicate how they access cooking gas.
The government’s decision comes as domestic LPG cylinder prices rose by ₹60 last month, with commercial cylinders also facing multiple price hikes. The price of a 14.2 kg domestic cylinder now stands at ₹60 higher than before, while the cost of a 19 kg commercial cylinder increased by ₹144 in March and nearly ₹200 on April 1.
Booking intervals for LPG have already increased in both urban and rural areas, making it harder for families to secure their needed supplies. Currently, there is a lock-in period of 25 days for booking LPG cylinders, which has frustrated many users.
To adapt to the changing landscape, oil marketing companies are implementing OTP-based delivery systems and requiring Aadhaar eKYC verification for many users. This shift aims to streamline the process but could also lead to confusion among those who are not tech-savvy.
Sujata Sharma, a spokesperson for the government, urged citizens to avoid panic buying: “Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG as the government is making all efforts to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG.”
Currently, online bookings account for nearly 98% of total requests, reflecting a significant shift in how consumers access these essential services. However, with these new rules set to take effect soon, many worry about potential disruptions.
Anxiety around fuel prices has intensified due to ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets. The situation is fluid; whether LPG prices will rise again on May 1 is still uncertain.
