Oil companies fix the price of cooking gas on the 1st of every month. From May 1, gas cylinder prices are expected to increase.
Many people believe that state-owned oil companies may raise prices after the elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are over.
No New LPG Connections for Now
The government has temporarily stopped giving new LPG gas connections in the country.
The Petroleum Ministry has said that the main focus should be on meeting the needs of existing users. Because of this, no new connections will be issued for at least one month.
Changes in Cylinder Booking Rules
The government is planning to make important changes to the booking rules. Right now, there is a gap of 25 days between refills in cities and 45 days in rural areas.
This rule may soon become permanent. This means you may not be able to book a cylinder quickly anymore.
OTP System Made Mandatory
To improve safety and transparency, the OTP-based delivery system will become fully mandatory.
Customers will only receive their gas cylinder after giving the OTP sent to their registered mobile number.
This step is being taken to stop fake bookings, and the Ministry wants strict implementation of this rule.
Shortage and Black Marketing Issues
Hotels and commercial businesses in some South Indian cities like Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and Vijayawada are facing a shortage of gas cylinders.
Because of this, some are using domestic cylinders for commercial work, which is not allowed.
Authorities are taking strict action and conducting raids, but cases of black marketing are still being reported.
Advice for Consumers
Looking at the current situation, experts suggest that people should think about using alternatives like piped natural gas (PNG).
This can help avoid long waiting times for cylinders. The 25-day waiting period can be difficult, especially for large families, so saving and using gas carefully is also important.
