5-kg LPG Cylinders Now Easily Available
The government has made 5-kg ‘Chotu’ LPG cylinders available over-the-counter at distributorships with just a valid ID, responding to rising demand. Since March 23, over 6.6 lakh cylinders have been sold, priced at market rates, unlike the subsidised 14.2-kg domestic cylinders. Authorities report no shortages, with more than 51 lakh domestic cylinders delivered on April 4 alone, and 95% of orders fulfilled via online bookings.
To ease LPG demand, the government is promoting alternative cooking options such as piped natural gas (PNG) and electric cooktops. Since March, around 3.6 lakh households have been connected to PNG, with over 3.9 lakh new registrations. Refineries are operating at full capacity, and domestic LPG production has been increased to ensure supply stability.
Strict monitoring has been implemented to curb hoarding and black marketing, with over 50,000 cylinders seized, 1,400 show-cause notices issued, and 36 distributorships suspended. Citizens are urged to rely on digital platforms for bookings and avoid unnecessary visits to LPG points, ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply amid global tensions.
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