LPG: Big news for LPG users. The availability of cooking gas could soon be more convenient for various groups like small businesses, street food vendors, students, tenants, and migrant workers across the country. State-owned oil companies such as Indian Oil (IOC), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) are in the process of introducing 10-kilogram lightweight composite LPG cylinders for domestic and commercial use. This initiative aims to alleviate the challenges faced by many individuals who struggle with the heavy 19-kilogram commercial cylinders.
Proposal to introduce 10 kg cylinders
Commercial LPG cylinders are currently offered in 19 kg, 5 kg, and 2 kg sizes. However, the 19 kg cylinder is cumbersome to handle and transport, prompting requests from small cafes, tea shops, food stalls, street vendors, and tenants for lighter alternatives. In response to this demand, oil companies are contemplating launching a 10 kg composite cylinder for commercial purposes.
Manufactured using HDPE technology
The new cylinder is crafted using advanced composite technology utilizing high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Its key advantage lies in being approximately 50% lighter than conventional steel cylinders. This lightweight nature facilitates easy transportation upstairs, storage in compact spaces, and daily utilization. Additionally, its see-through exterior enables users to monitor gas levels without requiring an additional gauge, ensuring timely refills.
Initial availability for domestic customers:
Presently, these 10-kg composite cylinders are accessible to domestic consumers on a limited scale, marketed as HP Gas Ojas by HPCL, Indane Xtralight by IndianOil, and Bharatgas Lite by BPCL. Plans are underway to extend this technology to commercial clients as well, with reports suggesting they will be available at gas agencies and select retail outlets at prices equivalent to commercial LPG rates.
Pricing of the 10 kg cylinder
While a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder is priced at Rs 942 in Delhi, a 19 kg commercial cylinder costs Rs 2,930, and a 5 kg commercial cylinder is priced at Rs 808.50. Although the exact cost of a 10 kg commercial composite cylinder is yet to be determined, it is anticipated to fall between the prices of the 5 kg and 19 kg cylinders.
Primary beneficiaries
If implemented, this initiative will primarily benefit small businesses with modest gas requirements. They will no longer have to contend with heavy cylinders and will have a clear view of their gas levels. Additionally, students, professionals, and migrant workers residing in rented accommodations in small towns and cities will find these lightweight cylinders highly convenient. This development has the potential to revolutionize the LPG distribution system, making it more user-friendly and modern. Approval by the government and oil companies could directly impact millions of small businesses and consumers positively in the future.