Pradhan seeks independent reports on LPG availability

In a bid to overcome supply hiccups, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sought independent reports on the availability of domestic cooking gas (LPG) from remote and hilly areas.
With states complaining of delays in delivery and problems of availability in some parts, especially remote and hilly areas, he said a third party audit was essential.
"Our oil companies say they have a perfect system that reaches products everywhere without fail," he sarcastically commented at a flag-off function of a biking expedition to Ladakh.
When Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister wrote to him about problems in availability of LPG in certain districts, the oil companies got hold of local civil supplies officer and district tehsildar to certify that there was no problem.

"On Chief Minister's complaint, they got a certificate from tehsildar (to negate any problem)," he said adding, that there was a need to get independent feedback from the ground.
Third party audits, he said, are essential. "We need audits to be aware of the ground realities."

He asked the members of PathFinders Group, who will bike to India-China border in Ladakh, to collect feedback on supply of LPG as well as auto fuels - petrol and diesel, in the remotest parts.
"When you come back, please give me a report on the availability of LPG in households in the most difficult and hilly terrains. I want such feedback from all places," he told the group.

Indian Oil Corp (IOC) says "it has world's highest altitude petrol pump at Leh but I want to know if fuel is available," he added.
LPG availability has to be increased, he said, adding that government is planning to launch 2-kg bottles at local kirana stores to provide easy access to the clean fuel for the poor.
LPG is traditionally available in 14.2-kg cylinders, which are not very convenient to carry and its cost at Rs 418 is considered high for the poor and rural population.
A 5-kg cylinder priced at Rs 155 was introduced in October 2013.
The planned 2-kg cylinder will be easily portable and will cost much less.

To begin with, the penetration of 5-kg cylinder will be increased. New subsidised connections of 5-kg cylinders in rural as well as far flung areas will be issued in the first place.
Presently, a household is entitled to receive subsidy to buy up to 12 cylinders of 14.2-kg each or 34 cylinders of 5-kg each every year.