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Petrol pump operators in Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra have welcomed the petroleum ministry's announcement relating to the sale of 5-kg LPG cylinders at retail outlets, but say that without any formal communication from oil marketing companies, they can’t launch the scheme.

“There is no formal communication from the oil marketing companies though the concept was in discussion. On top of it, the statutory permission as well as various approvals from the state government including a green signal from the Controller of Explosives are yet to be received.

Only after completion of these formalities, would the supply 5 kg LPG cylinders be possible at company owned company operated (COCO) petrol pumps in the state,” an office bearer of the petrol dealers association, who did not want to be identified, told Business Standard.

There are a total of 3,700 petrol pumps in the state, including 247 in Mumbai. However, oil marketing companies would take a final call on the introduction of supply of LPG cylinders at COCO, depending on the availability of space and their locations.

Ravi Shinde, President, Petrol Dealers Association, Mumbai admitted that it was a welcome move. “Once all approvals are in place, COCO would demarcate separate space for the supply of 5 kg LPG cylinders. There will be a dedicated staff. This is a workable proposition,” he noted. He informed that the supply of 5 kg LPY cylinders would be possible through 50 to 60 pumps in Greater Mumbai.

However, the decision in this regard would be taken by the oil marketing companies.

On the other hand, a dealer from Thane said that the operators would have to take additional safety measures. Besides, he said the procedure should be simple.