No fees for LPG cylinder delivery within 5 km radius of agency

Kozhikode: No delivery charges will have to be paid by the consumers for delivery of LPG cylinders refilled by authorised dealers to homes that fall within five kilometres of the gas agency. The decision is expected to put an end to the practice of agencies requesting additional money from customers. 

A customer needs to pay Rs 20 for the delivery at a distance between 5 to 10 km, Rs 35 for 10-15 km, Rs 45 for 15-20 km and Rs 60 for more than 20 km. Consumers can file a complaint with the Taluk Supply Officer against the agencies that charge more than this amount. In addition, if there is any uncertainty concerning the weight of the LPG-filled cylinder, the supplier must weigh it at the customer's request. 

Kozhikode District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh IAS issued the order while considering the complaints lodged at the LPG open forum held at the Collectorate conference hall. 

He also stated that anyone who charges more than the standard rates will face severe penalties. Resident associations and consumer body representatives complained about the distribution and weight of cylinders. 

Last year, Food and Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil said during an assembly session that a consumer need not pay anything extra to the delivery person if the agency is within 5km from the house. However, it had been alleged that the agencies' practice of charging customers was still in place.