IOC launches piped LPG system in Assam

Kolkata/Guwahati: The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)launched its first reticulated LPG supply system, which is also known as 'piped LPG' and has gained popularity in other parts of the country, in North East.

In a reticulated system, the distribution of LPG to the customers is done through a pipeline network with metering facility.

LPG is sourced from centralised cylinder bank or bulk LPG storage facility housed in the premises of the building.

This system of LPG supply was launched in the country around one and half years back.

IOC is now looking North East and wants to make the system popular here too.

'We are in the formulating process and expect that piped LPG system will gain popularity in Guwahati and North East too,' said A K Kalita, chief LPG manager of IOC (Assam Oil Division).

Though IOC has not kept any target for piped LPG system in North East or Guwahati, Kalita said four more builders have evinced interest to offer reticulated LPG system to its flat owners in Guwahati.

'This is just the beginning and once people come to know about the benefits of reticulated system, they would surely like to opt for it,' he added.

In case of private apartments, the builder or the residents need to make the necessary investment, which would cost around Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 per flat depending on the number of flats and layout.

Kalita said that in the case of commercial and industrial establishments, IOC 'may invest' depending on the viability of the project.

The advantages of reticulated system are that it ensures continuous supply of LPG, besides payment at the end of billing cycle for used quantity only.

It also frees the consumer from the hassle of ordering a refill and waiting for delivery.

Moreover, the reticulated connection of LPG comes with enhanced security and has in-built safety system that ensures LPG supply shut off in case of leakage.

IOC conducts periodic safety audits to check the performance of the system in individual apartments.

The reticulated system is also compatible with the piped natural gas distribution system, which has already gained popularity in parts of Assam.

On all India basis, IOC has commissioned reticulated system in Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kochi and Hyderabad and supplies piped LPG to as many as 4,900 flats.

The first reticulated LPG supply system was launched at Alok apartments in six mile area of Guwahati.