Bhubaneswar: To improve last-mile delivery of cooking fuel and resolve recent distribution challenges, the Odisha government has announced that 5-kg LPG cylinders under the Centre’s Free Trade LPG (FTL) scheme will soon be widely available at petrol pumps, authorised LPG agencies, and special distribution camps across the state.
State Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra made the announcement, addressing confusion over the availability of smaller cylinders following a recent crackdown on unauthorised open-market sales and black marketing. “The confusion regarding five kg LPG cylinders has been resolved. These cylinders will now be easily accessible through multiple channels, including petrol pumps, LPG agencies, and special distribution camps,” Patra stated.
This initiative leverages the extensive network of petrol pumps to improve distribution, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas. It is expected to benefit smaller households, migrant populations, students in hostels or rented accommodations and daily-wage earners.
Consumers can purchase them by presenting a valid identification card, with no address proof required for FTL cylinders targeted at migrant workers, students, and other vulnerable groups.
Under the new system, a new 5-kg cylinder will cost Rs 1,537, while refills will be priced at Rs 593. Refilling will be permitted only for cylinders issued by authorised public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) — Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) — to ensure safety and quality standards. Unauthorised or third-party containers will not be accepted.
Officials emphasised that the scheme promotes flexibility and consumer convenience while curbing illegal sales.
It followed the central government directive to double the daily allocation of 5-kg FTL cylinders to states and Union Territories, aimed at supporting migrant labourers amid supply concerns linked to global factors. The Centre has placed additional supplies at the disposal of state Food and Civil Supplies departments for targeted distribution with OMC support. No overall shortage of domestic LPG has been reported nationally, with supplies remaining stable.
