High cost of refilling and back-up is preventing consumers in Karnataka from opting for 10 kg LPG

Since the beginning of the war in West Asia, state-owned oil companies have encouraged consumers to switch to 10 kg LPG cylinders.

While Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) launched HP Navya 10kg LPG, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) introduced Indane Xtralite and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) introduced Bharatgas Lite ZIP, all these variants are promoted by gas agencies to consumers looking for new 14.2kg LPG connections.

However, gas agencies and distributors say the response has been poor due to the significant difference in filling prices between 14.2 kg and 10 kg cylinders, as well as the higher deposit required for cylinders.

Kumar LG, secretary, All-India Distributors LPG Federation (Karnataka Circle), said, “Various state oil companies are promoting 10 kg cylinders as we have not been able to provide new 14.2 kg LPG connections since the start of the West Asia War. Many applications are pending across gas agencies in Karnataka. Instead of waiting for 14.2 kg LPG, consumers can buy LPG directly over the counter.”

Mr Kumar added, “However, the response to the 10kg variant has been very poor due to pricing. The cost of a refill for a 14.2kg bottle is ₹945, while the price for a 10kg bottle varies between ₹1,700 and ₹1,800, depending on the distributor and agency. The deposit amount is also higher than the ₹03,000 at ₹2,200 for the 14.2kg cylinder It is clear that consumers will think twice before spending ₹180 per kg instead of ₹67 per kg.

The difference is that the 10kg cylinder falls under the free trade LPG (FTL) category, as does the 5kg cylinder. They are priced at market rates, without government subsidies, and are also more expensive due to the manufacturing technology.

Mr. Kumar said that oil companies used to incur a loss of ₹650 on each LPG cylinder due to import and other logistics costs. The loss has now come down to ₹188 per cylinder.

According to the latest data shared by the Ministry of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, more than 36,000 applications for new LPG connections are pending in Karnataka.

Harish, another LPG distributor, explained that unlike the 14.2 kg variant where consumers face some restrictions, there is no limit on the number of 10 kg cylinders that can be purchased. Consumers can buy additional cylinders based on their requirements. “Once they pay the deposit amount and send their details through the app, the connection will be established within four hours. Moreover, it is light, compact and easy to carry. It is made of a three-layer composite material combined with high-density plastic and glass fiber,” he said, adding that the pressure cylinder also indicates the amount of LPG available.

Jyothi, manager of HP Gas, a private agency in Jayamahal, said they have stopped accepting applications for new 14.2 kg LPG connections as a large number of applications are pending. “And there is no guarantee that the government will resume normal supply for us to ensure new connections. We are currently providing only 10kg LPG cylinders but customer response is low. If we have 30,000 consumers using 14.2kg LPG, only a few hundred have bought the 10kg LPG variant,” she said.

Consumer Ashwal Gowda said, “I applied for a new connection in May after I shifted from my native Tumakuru to Bengaluru for work. But since the domestic connection has been delayed, I am forced to pay more in advance and top-up charges for a 10kg LPG cylinder.”

Distributors and gas agencies said many consumers are opting for induction cookers instead, especially those using the Gruha Jyothi scheme.

Arif Khan, manager of an electronics retail chain, said, “When the war started, we had many customers who came to buy induction cookers. It was panic buying. Now it has reduced. But many people are buying them through online platforms. The prices range from ₹ 1,500 to ₹ 5,000.”

Published – 15 Sep 2026 20:49 IST