How would you like booking your LPG connection online? Well, it will soon become a reality

No more would you need to stand in queue and get pestered by the formalities. Now booking a new LPG connection can be done online, thanks to PM Modi’s ‘Digital India’ initiative. State run fuel retailers are also set to launch an easy-to-remember four-digit emergency response number for attending complaints of leakage, instead of the 10-digit number applicable to many cities at present. The new number will be the same all over the country just like 100 for police.

"The online system will allow prospective consumers to get a connection from the comfort of their home. No more hunting for a nearby dealer or making multiple rounds to the dealership. Dealers also cannot harass prospective customers by insisting they buy a stove," said an industry source.

The new system will be available on the websites of each oil company and the government's LPG portal, Pahal. This will allow prospective consumers online filling of application form for a new connection. The system will then automatically detect a dealer best suited for the consumer and email or message a customer ID number within 48 hours of applying.

The applicant can make the requisite payment online. Once the payment is made and the verification is completed, the dealer will deliver the regulator, cylinder and rubber pipe to the new consumer. The entire process from application to delivery is envisaged to be completed within 6-7 days.

For consumers who do not have a stove at the time of getting a connection, the system will also offer the option to buy online. The offer will have various models of quality- and efficiency-certified hobs with their prices.

Retailers would also be introducing a four-digit emergency response number for attending to complaints of leakage. The number at present is long and difficult to remember.