Gas Connections and Gas Stoves - are we aware of these facts ??

Do you know that no gas dealer could force you to buy the gas stove from him ?

Do you know that no gas dealer could deny you a gas connection merely because you do not wish to buy gas stove from him ?

Do you know that it's your legal right to chose gas stove of any brand, with ISI mark, regardless of the gas refiling brand that you are choosing..?


When you approach any gas dealer, for a new domestic LPG connection, he would insist you to buy the gas stove from him, which has become a common practice. Nowadays, which even the consumers believe is a rule made by the government.

One important fact we should keep in mind while applying for a domestic LPG connection is that, government provides the domestic gas connections to the citizens at a subsidized rate; every citizen is entitled to get the same as per the existing law. Government of India (in some states even the state governments) gives a subsidy of more than 150 rupees per cylinder (14kg), and that is the reason why it is available at much cheaper rate than the commercial gas connections.

Oil companies (such as Indianoil, HP, Bharat gas, etc.) are agents of the central/state government to provide the subsidized gas connections. When we apply for a gas connection, our ration card would carry a stamp, that which indicates the existence of subsidized domestic LPG connection, with that particular household.

When the gas connection has been sanctioned to a person, he has to collect the LPG connection from the dealer. But normally they insist you to buy the gas stove available with them.

Remember, you have a legal right to choose the gas stove of your choice and from the dealer of your choice. No gas distributor could insist you to buy the gas stove from him, and if he does, it would be a violation of Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act (MRTP Act). Websites of all the gas companies declare that no consumer is compelled to buy a gas stove from the LPG distributor. you just have to buy any gas stove, containing an ISI mark, and show it to the distributor/dealer, who provides you the cylinder.

Reality: Every LPG distributor would normally insist you to buy it from him and if you protest, his explanation would be, that the company insists them to sell as many gas stoves as the gas connections, which is once again a clear violation of consumer rights.

Remedy: Complaining to the gas company’s complaint cell. (You can take the number from the distributor himself!! or from the company’s website) in case the company fails to provide you the adequate remedy, you can also complain the same to the district food and civil supplies officer, under who’s jurisdiction you are applying for the LPG connections.

LAW: Competition Act 2002 - Section 3(3) Explanation (a)

Read the complete Act Here: http://www.cci.gov.in/images/media/competition_act/act2002.pdf