4 Gas Cylinders Maximum: New Rules Target Storage, Rs 75,000 Penalty Set

The Ministry of Commerce has imposed new restrictions on the sale and storage of 12 kg domestic gas cylinders, limiting consumers to purchasing a maximum of four bottles at a time. This significant measure is designed to combat excessive storage, abusive purchasing, and the misappropriation of these essential cylinders.

The Commerce Minister underscored that the “objective is clear: to put an end to abuses.”

Strict Penalties Introduced for Breaches

The new regulations come with a tiered structure of sanctions for non-compliance. Individuals found violating the purchasing limits face a Rs 10,000 fine for a first offence, escalating sharply to a Rs 75,000 fine for repeat offenders.

The Ministry has stated that these provisions are necessary to ensure the fair distribution and intended use of domestic gas supplies.

What the New Rules Mean

The key changes announced by the Ministry of Commerce are:

• Purchase Limit: A consumer cannot buy more than four 12 kg domestic gas cylinders at any one time.
• Aims: To fight against excessive storage, abusive purchasing, and the détournement (misuse/diversion) of the cylinders.
• Fines:
  • First offence: Rs 10,000
  • Repeat offence: Rs 75,000

Source: Defi Media