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New Delhi: Central government has taken an important decision for LPG gas cylinder users. The waiting time for booking a gas cylinder refill has now been reduced, especially for customers living in rural areas. Earlier, the period between refill bookings in rural areas was increased to 45 days due to increased pressure on LPG supply due to the conflict in the Gulf region and the Hormuz crisis. Now as the supply situation has improved, the government has again reduced this period to 25 days. That means now LPG customers living in villages will be able to book a refill after booking a cylinder after a gap of 25 days. This decision of the government will especially provide relief to the families, who regularly use LPG cylinders and were facing hardship due to long booking period.

In rural areas now the same booking rule as in cities

This change by the central government has reduced the gap in LPG refill booking period between rural and urban areas. Now LPG cylinder refill booking can be done after 25 days in villages as well as in cities. Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi informed about this and said that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have been ordered to implement this change immediately. This simply means that earlier waiting of 45 days will no longer be necessary. After completion of 25 days period as per customer requirement he can book again for cylinder. This decision is especially important for rural households where LPG consumption is high or there is a long wait after the cylinder is empty.

Why was LPG booking rule changed after Gulf War?

International situation has also been important behind this change to LPG supply. The conflict between Iran and the US, tensions in the Gulf region and the Hormuz crisis have increased pressure on global energy supplies. India meets a major portion of its energy needs through imports. In such a situation, the government needed to change some rules so that the supply of LPG is not affected and the available gas is utilized properly. During the same period LPG refill booking period in rural areas was extended to 45 days. However, the supply situation is gradually returning to normal now. So the central government has decided to reduce the booking period again giving relief to the customers. Along with this, efforts are also being made to maintain a balance between supply and demand in the LPG sector.

Also relaxation in the price of commercial LPG cylinders

Not only the booking norms for LPG consumers, but also the commercial gas cylinder prices have recently been relaxed. The price of commercial LPG cylinders has been reduced several times in the last few months. In the month of September, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder was reduced from ₹9.50 to ₹11.50. Earlier in August, the price of a cylinder fell by around ₹ 192 to ₹ 209, while in July the price was also reduced by ₹ 183. Thus, due to the international energy market situation and improvement in LPG supply in the country, the consumers are gradually getting relief. According to the new rule, LPG customers in rural areas will now get the facility to book refill after only 25 days instead of 45 days. However, customers are required to check the exact availability of bookings as per applicable regulations of their locality and respective LPG company.