Gas Cylinder Booking Rules Changed Once Again: 45 Days Or 25 Days, What Is Lock-In Period For LPG Refill?

The LPG rules in India have changed once again with a new lock-in period of 45 days. However, do not be confused, as the earlier revised rule of 25 days from the 21 days lock-in period for LPG purchases is still effective. The two new lock-in periods vary by region. This comes amid hike in LPG prices in the country and supply shortage due to Middle East war.

LPG Refill Rules Changed To 45-Days:

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas told media that the country has never seen such situation in past. Domestic supplies have been affected after the closure of Strait Of Hormuz.

Adding to that, she said, booking of cylinder will now be possible after 45 days for rural consumers.

Hence, the 45-days lock-in period to refill your LPG is only for those household residing in rural areas.

For rural consumers the 25-days lock-in period has been scrapped. The Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri said,"A 25-day minimum booking gap has been introduced as a demand management measure in urban areas and 45 days in rural and durgam kshetra areas."

LPG Refill Of 25-Days:

This rule is still applicable to households in urban areas of the country. Earlier, the general gap to book a refill for LPG cylinder was 21-days but that was changed to 25 days from this week due to supply constraint.

Delivery Time For LPG Unchanged.

Through his X handle, Puri said,"Modi Govt's foremost priority is that the kitchens of India's 33+ crore families, especially the poor and the underprivileged, do not face any shortage. Domestic supply is fully protected and the delivery cycle is unchanged."

20% LPG Allocated To Restaurants & Eateries

In a major relief to restaurants across the country, Puri said, "In a major decision, 20% of the average monthly Commercial LPG requirement will be allocated from today to restaurants and eateries by OMCs, in coordination with the State Governments so that there is no hoarding or black marketing."

Restaurants, Eateries and hotels have taken a huge hit in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata among others. Some restaurants had to cut down their menus to shortage of LPG, while some resorted to selling just 'tea and coffee', and some faced difficulty to the brink of shutting down businesses. LPG is a key component of the survival of these businesses.

Gas Cylinders Priority To Homes & Farms:

Puri slammed the rumour-mongering or fake narratives that has revolved around LPG crisis. He said, "This is not the moment for rumour-mongering or fake narratives. India is navigating the most severe global energy disruption in recorded history. Crude supply is flowing. Gas is prioritised for homes and farms. LPG production has been stepped up by 28%."

"Like we have done in the past, now is the time for the nation to come together and overcome this challenge," Puri added.

No Shortage Of Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene, ATF Or Fuel?

According to Puri, there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, ATF or fuel oil. The availability of petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, kerosene, and fuel oil is fully assured. Retail outlets across the country are stocked and supply chains for these products are functioning normally.

Also, he revealed that domestic piped gas to homes and CNG for vehicles receive 100% supply with no cuts.

"Despite the current geopolitical situation involving major energy producers, our energy imports are secure and continue to flow from different sources using non-Hormuz routes," the minister said.

"We are comfortably placed and are able to meet the energy requirements of our citizens," he added.

LPG Prices In India:

Now, LPG price in Delhi is increased by Rs 913 per litre compared to the previous Rs 853. Meanwhile, LPG price in Kolkata increased to Rs 939 from Rs 879. The financial hub, Mumbai, will now sell 14.2KG LPG at Rs 912.5 per cylinder compared to the previous price of Rs 852.5. In Chennai, LPG price has surged to Rs 928.5 per cylinder as against Rs 868.5 per cylinder.

19KG LPG Prices In India:

The biggest hike was in 19Kg LPG cylinders by Rs 114.5 each in these cities. Accordingly, 19Kg LPG price in Delhi is at Rs 1,883 per cylinder, compared to previous price of Rs 1,768.5 per cylinder.

In Kolkata, LPG price stood at Rs 1,990 per cylinder from Rs 1,875.5 per cylinder. In Mumbai, 19Kg LPG is priced at Rs 1,835 per cylinder as against Rs 1,720.5 per cylinder. Lastly, in Chennai, LPG price increased to Rs 2,043.5 per cylinder compared to Rs 1,929 per cylinder.