21-day gap for LPG booking goes
Chennai   11-Aug-2010

Oil marketing companies have instructed their cooking gas distributors not to insist on a minimum period for booking the refill cylinder or on maintaining a three-week gap between two deliveries.

According to oil industry sources, while there is no restriction on booking, the delivery would be as per seniority of the pending registration for refills.

The 21-day restriction, sources among LPG distributors said, acted as a measure to contain the consumption of the highly subsidised domestic fuel and prevent misuse of cylinders by tea stalls and eateries.

The restriction, which proved to be an irritant for many households, also helped the companies and their distributors tide over shortfall in supply and the surge in demand due to seasonal factors.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd had issued a circular to its distributors in June on removal of 21 days waiting period and maintaining a nil backlog.

Sources in IndianOil confirmed that its distributors have also been given similar directions recently.

While stating that there never was any such restriction, an official of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd said the company had also instructed its distributors, who had a backlog, to clear it.

The circular issued by HPCL said that if the consumption of LPG by any customer is unusually high, it should be reviewed by the distributor.

Further, action should be taken on advice from the area sales officer or regional manager concerned.