The government had launched pilot portability of LPG connections in 24 districts across 13 states in October 2013 and expanded it across India to 480 districts in January 2014.
Are you unhappy with your LPG distributor? Are you not happy with their service? If so, you’re in for some relief. Similar to mobile number portability, LPG customers will soon be allowed to switch distributors without changing their existing connections. This will provide customers with more choice and better service. Oil regulator PNGRB has invited comments from stakeholders and consumers on the draft ‘LPG Interoperability’.
Consumers should have the freedom to choose their LPG company or dealer.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) said in the notice that in situations where a local distributor faces operational constraints, consumers often have limited options and face difficulties. “There may be other reasons as well and the consumer should have the freedom to choose the LPG company or dealer, especially when the cylinder price is the same,” it said. The then NDA government had launched pilot portability of LPG connections in 24 districts of 13 states in October 2013 and expanded it across India to 480 districts in January 2014.
In 2014, the only option was to change the dealer.
However, consumers were given limited options to change dealers, not oil companies, in 2014. Portability between companies was not legally possible at the time, as the law required LPG cylinders from a particular company to be submitted to that company only for refills.
Rules and guidelines will be prepared
PNGRB is now considering allowing portability between companies. “PNGRB invites views and suggestions from consumers, distributors, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders on measures to strengthen the continuity of LPG supply and safeguard consumer confidence,” the regulator said. After receiving comments, PNGRB will formulate rules and guidelines for LPG portability and determine a date for its implementation across the country.
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