You may soon be able to purchase small LPG cylinders at fair price shops at commercial rates. The Centre on Wednesday said it plans to allow the retail sale of small LPG cylinders as well as offer financial services through fair price shops as part of its measures to enhance the financial viability of these outlets. 

These issues were discussed in a virtual meeting with State Governments, chaired by Food Secretary Sudhanshu Pandey.

Representatives from the Ministries of Electronics and IT, Finance, and Petroleum and Natural Gas attended the meeting. Officials from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) as well as CSC e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC) too were present.

After the meeting, the Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry in a statement said, “Proactive measures to be taken to enhance the financial viability of FPS. ...Plan of retail selling of small LPG cylinders through FPS in the anvil.”  There are 5.26 lakh ration shops in the country. Sources said that the small cylinders can be bought off the  counter by simply producing m an ID proof.

Representatives from oil marketing companies (OMCs) appreciated the proposal for retail selling of small LPG cylinders through fair price shops (FPS), also called ration shops. OMCs said the necessary support would be provided for the same in coordination with interested state/UT Governments, it added.    

 In the meeting, the food secretary stressed the need for taking proactive measures for enhancing the financial viability of FPSs. 

The State Governments said the collaboration with common service centres  (CSC) will increase the  viability of FPS.