At a time when the Indian government aims to expand the direct benefit transfer of LPG subsidy to all citizens, nearly a thousand consumers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have volunteered to forego LPG subsidy, joining 9,000 others across the country.
According to data available at State-level for the three oil companies Indian Oil Corporation, BPCL and HPCL shows that 950 consumers from both the States have opted out of the scheme voluntarily, to free up subsidy amount for the government.
In Hyderabad, a subsidized 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder costs Rs. 444.50 while a non-subsidized cylinder costs Rs. 952. As on Monday the 950 consumers in AP and Telangana who opted out, saved the government Rs. 4.2 lakh in subsidy.
To opt out of the subsidy, a consumer can do it on the oil company’s portal or can give a written letter to the distributor expressing the wish to opt out.
While the option was existent when the direct benefit transfer was launched two years ago under the UPA II regime, it is said to have picked up pace this year after employees of oil companies gave up the subsidy after impetus from the petroleum ministry.
Text messagesText messages were also sent out earlier this year to inform citizens about the opt-out feature, urging them to join a growing company of consumers who were opting out of the subsidy.
After opting out, following month’s billing will be done at non-subsidized rates.
