People living in Delhi-NCR will soon get relief from long waiting times for cooking gas bookings and delivery. In a big step, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has started the country’s first LPG ATM in Gurugram, Haryana.
This is a smart vending machine that works like a bank ATM. But instead of giving cash, it gives a filled gas cylinder.
What is LPG ATM and How Does It Work?
During festivals or special occasions, gas cylinders are often not easily available. Long queues and delayed deliveries create problems for customers. This LPG ATM is designed to solve these issues with a digital and contactless system.
Getting a cylinder from this machine is very simple:
Enter your registered mobile number on the machine.
You will receive an OTP on your phone, which you need to enter for verification.
Scan the QR code on your empty cylinder.
Make the payment using UPI, debit card, or net banking.
After successful payment, the machine takes your empty cylinder and gives you a filled one within 2–3 minutes.
Use of Special Composite Cylinders
One of the main features of this LPG ATM is the use of “composite cylinders” instead of heavy iron cylinders. These cylinders are made of fiber and are much lighter, weighing around 15 kg.
They have several benefits:
Transparency: You can clearly see how much gas is left inside.
Rust-Free: They do not rust, so they don’t damage floors.
Lightweight: Easy to carry from one place to another.
Pilot Project in Gurugram
Right now, this service is available only in Gurugram for customers using Bharat Gas (BPCL). It has been launched as a pilot project.
The machine can store around 10 cylinders at a time. It also has a smart sensor system that sends an alert to the nearest gas agency when stock is low, so it can be refilled quickly.
Future Plans
If this project is successful in Gurugram, Bharat Petroleum plans to expand LPG ATMs to other major cities and crowded areas across India.
The machine will be available 24×7, so customers won’t need to wait for gas agencies to open or for delivery. This system will also help reduce black marketing and save time and effort for people.
