Panaji: You will soon be able to purchase 5-kg
LPG cylinders at fair price shops throughout the state at commercial rates. The mini cylinders can be bought off the counter by simply producing an ID proof. Residential proof is not required.
Bharat Petroleum has already signed MoUs with 52 fair price shops. The cylinders are expected to be made available at fair price shops at Tiswadi, Pernem, Bardez and Ponda first and subsequently, at ration shops across the state, said territory manager (LPG), Bharat Petroleum, Sandip Pawar.
“This month, the cylinders are being sold at Rs 1,266. Consumers needn’t approach the same fair price shop for refilling. They have the flexibility to refill cylinders from any fair price shop or any BP distributor in the country,” he said, adding that around 50% of the cost of LPG will be refunded if a consumer wants to return the cylinder (tax is not refundable).
As it is being sold at commercial rates, there is also no limitation on the number of cylinders a person can buy in a month. “There are a lot of migrants in Goa who don’t have a proper domestic connection. They may be using some other fuel that may not be safe. This model provides an opportunity to use cleaner fuel,” Pawar said. He disclosed that mini cylinders are also being made available at petrol pumps and that plans are afoot to have them stocked at provision stores, too. He was speaking on the sidelines of a World Consumer Rights Day programme organised by the directorate of civil supplies and consumer affairs.
Civil supplies director Mahesh Corjuenkar said this channel of distribution has been approved by the ministry of petroleum and natural gas and would benefit many families, especially those in villages.
