Karnataka biggest buyer of IOC ‘smart cylinders’

BENGALURU: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) sold the maximum number of composite LPG cylinders in Karnataka so far. Of 5,221 sold since August 2021, a whopping 4,300 have been from Bengaluru.
IOC officials said these fibre-made cylinders are transparent and consumers can see how much gas is left. “The rust-free and sleek composite cylinders are suitable for modern kitchens.They are safer and 50% lighter than steel gas cylinders,” said an IOC spokesperson.
Of 5,221 composite LPG cylinders sold in the state, 5,184 were 10kg ones and 37 were of 5kg. Across the country, IOC sold 20,831 composite cylinders, including 20,166 weighing 10kg. Karnataka is followed by West Bengal (3,947), Uttar Pradesh (2,357), Telangana and Andhra Pradesh (1,784), Delhi and Haryana (1,646), Bihar (1,367), and Tamil Nadu (1,061).
IOC launched composite cylinders in New Delhi in March last year and in Bengaluru in August. “At present, composite cylinders are available in 5kg and 10kg sizes. The refundable security deposit for domestic non-subsidised category is Rs 3,350 for the 10kg variant and Rs 2,150 for 5kg. Indane customers can replace their existing steel cylinder with a composite one by paying the difference in security deposit,” said an IOC official. He said composite cylinders will be delivered home like the existing gas cylinders through Indane distributors. At present, refill cost for composite cylinder is Rs 635.5 (for 10kg) and Rs 332.5 (5kg).
Ramesh Kumar, secretary of All-India LPG Distributors Federation (Karnataka chapter), said: “A majority of composite LPG cylinder customers are techies in Bengaluru who are ready to pay extra deposit. The refill cost for a normal 14.2kg domestic cylinder is Rs 902.5 and deposit amount for an LPG connection is Rs 1,450 (for one cylinder). Existing customers can opt for composite LPG cylinders by paying the difference amount.”
He said these modern cylinders are safe compared to steel ones, thus reducing the risk of LPG blasts. Other oil companies such as BPC and HPC are yet to launch composite cylinders.
Many customers are happy with composite cylinders. “The idea is good but we are worried it will be scrapped midway even after people paying more for deposit. The authorities should facilitate an online option to switch to composite LPG cylinder without visiting an LPG distributor. At present, the facility is available only for new customers,” said Megha S, a Hebbal resident. “The biggest advantage of such cylinders is we know how much gas is left, so we can book a refill accordingly.”