New LPG rules from May 1 may further tighten booking and delivery systems amid rising fuel prices. The government has introduced these changes in response to ongoing fluctuations in the market.
Domestic LPG cylinder prices were raised by ₹60 last month, and commercial cylinders also saw multiple hikes. Specifically, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder was first increased by ₹144 in March, followed by another hike of nearly ₹200 on April 1.
Booking intervals for LPG have increased, affecting both urban and rural areas. Currently, the lock-in period for booking LPG cylinders stands at 25 days, which is a significant change from previous norms.
Furthermore, new requirements such as OTP-based delivery and Aadhaar eKYC are now mandatory for many users. This shift aims to streamline the process but may complicate access for some customers.
Online bookings account for nearly 98% of total requests, highlighting a significant reliance on digital platforms for obtaining LPG. This trend underscores the importance of ensuring that these new systems function smoothly.
Sujata Sharma from the government advised, “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.” However, anxiety around fuel prices has been high since geopolitical tensions have disrupted energy markets.
Whether LPG prices will rise again on May 1 remains uncertain. The government has not confirmed any further increases at this time, leaving many consumers apprehensive about future costs.
