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These days discussions are intense across the country regarding booking and delivery of LPG gas cylinders. Amidst the increasing heat, fuel crisis and people's concern about gas supply, a question related to cylinder delivery is now coming to the fore, due to which almost every family has been troubled at one time or the other.

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Often people complain that the gas cylinder delivery agent asks for extra money in exchange for delivering the cylinder to the upper floor of the house. Many times people give Rs 10, 20 or even Rs 50 to avoid arguments. But is it really necessary to pay separate money to the delivery boy? The answer to this question is clearly written in the rules of the gas companies.

Do we have to pay to take the cylinder up?

According to the rules, it is considered wrong to demand separate money from the consumer for the delivery of LPG cylinder. The delivery charge is already included in the bill issued at the time of booking the gas cylinder. That is, it is the responsibility of the delivery agent to safely deliver the cylinder to the consumer's home and kitchen, no matter on which floor the house is located. Although it is a different matter if the customer wants to tip willingly, but forcibly asking for money is considered against the rules.

Why are such cases increasing?

People in many cities and towns are continuously complaining that delivery agents demand money in exchange for carrying the cylinder to the upper floor. Many times, incidents of people leaving the cylinder below due to non-payment of money also come to light. According to consumer rights experts, due to lack of awareness people pay extra amount out of compulsion. However, the policy of gas companies clearly states that no additional charges can be taken from the customer apart from the bill.

What to do if the delivery boy forcibly asks for money?

If a delivery agent asks for extra money or applies pressure, consumers can complain. For:

• Helpline number can be called 1800-233-3555
• Complaint can be made to the manager of the concerned gas agency
• Written complaints can be lodged in the agency's complaint book
• Complaint can also be made online on the company's official website or mobile app

Consumer affairs experts say that if the complaint is found true, action can be taken against the gas agency and the related delivery staff.

What things should be kept in mind while taking delivery?

It is very important to take some important precautions while taking a gas cylinder:

• Must take machine generated receipt
• Pay only the amount written in the bill
• check the weight of the cylinder
• Avoid purchasing a cylinder with a broken or tampered seal
• Make online payment if possible

Making payments online significantly reduces the chances of asking for extra money.

What happens after complaint?

If the complaint is found true in the investigation, then the oil company can impose a fine on the concerned gas agency. Delivery agents are warned and may even lose their jobs if repeated complaints are received. If the gas agency or company does not take action, consumers can also take recourse to the Consumer Forum.

It is very important for consumers to be aware of their rights. Many times people do not complain considering it to be a small amount, but this wrong practice continues. In such a situation, it is important that people understand the rules and raise their voice against any kind of extortion.