LPG man to come calling at night now

That's what the Petroleum ministry is planning to help working couples in metros who stay out all day

That's what the Petroleum ministry is planning to help working couples in metros who stay out all day

Who will take the day off from work when the LPG cylinder man comes calling?

Does this question sound familiar? If it does, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has good news for you.

If the ministry's plans succeed, the cooking gas delivery man will arrive after you are home from work.

The ministry is planning to extend the time for home delivery of LPG cylinders till 10 pm. And the cylinder will be delivered at the time specified by you. "In cities, most homes have working couples. In many cases, all members of a family work and nobody stays at home during the day. In such cases, the time of cylinder delivery creates problem. Someone has to stay at home to receive it. Or the delivery man returns and the consumer have to call up the agency again for a fresh schedule. The new scheme will solve this problem," said Jitin Prasada, minister of state for petroleum and natural gas.

Representative pic

Metros first

In the first phase, the system will be introduced in metros, including Delhi and Mumbai, and delivery of cylinders will be done between 10 am and 10 pm. However, consumers will have to pay extra for having the cylinder delivered after 6 pm.

The preferred time of delivery will have to be mentioned while booking the cylinder.

The ministry is negotiating with three oil companies for implementing the plan. The only hitch is the extra charge to be levied for the extended hours of delivery. Talks are on between the ministry and the companies to sort the matter out.

The scheme will be launched as soon as the rates are be finalised.

"Consumers need not worry about the extra charge; it will be nominal. The gas agencies will work in two shifts that will provide more job opportunities as well," Prasada added.