If you’re not satisfied with your LPG cylinder company, you can change your service, similar to mobile number portability. This will provide better customer service. The oil regulator PNGRB is considering establishing such a system. LPG will develop regulations and guidelines for this.
Add informalnewz.com as a Preferred Source
New Delhi: Are you unhappy with your cooking gas supplier? If so, you’re in for some relief. Similar to mobile number portability, cooking gas consumers will soon be allowed to switch suppliers without changing their existing connections. This will provide them with more choice and better service. Oil regulator PNGRB has invited comments from stakeholders and consumers on the draft “LPG Interoperability.”
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) stated in a 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 consumers should have the freedom to choose the LPG company or dealer, especially when the cylinder price is the same,” it said.
Pilot Portability
The then UPA government 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. However, consumers were only given limited options to change dealers, not oil companies, in 2014. At that time, portability between companies was not legally possible, as the law required LPG cylinders from a particular company to be deposited with that company only for refills.
The PNGRB is now considering allowing portability between companies. The regulator stated, “PNGRB invites views and suggestions from consumers, distributors, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders on measures to strengthen the continuity of LPG supply and protect consumer confidence and facilitate timely refills.” After receiving comments, PNGRB will formulate rules and guidelines for LPG portability and determine a date for its implementation across the country.
