Private vs. Government LPG Agencies: Which One Is The Best for You?

The LPG industry has facilitated a major shift to moving towards a more sustainable future for India's energy mix. But slowly as the demand for cooking gas increases, consumers face a critical deciding situation: should they opt for a private gas agency or stick with the traditional government-run LPG distributors?

Both the options have their own set of advantages and challenges. In this blog, we will be discussing which kind of LPG agency would be the best for you in terms of reliability, service, and safety.

Private vs. Government LPG Agencies: Which One Is The Best for You?

Overview of Government LPG Agencies

Government LPG agencies are public-sector distributors of cooking LPG gas that are licensed and regulated by the central government. They have dominated the LPG market in India for decades now, offering subsidized rates and a wide distribution network across urban and rural India. But their benefits have started falling with the emergence of private gas agencies.

What Is A Private Gas Agency?

Private gas agencies are independent companies who distribute LPG cylinders to consumers. These agencies are a direct competition to their government counterparts and offer market-driven prices and services. More than that,  the customer-centric approach makes them a popular and trusted choice for households, commercial businesses, and industries.

Key Differences Between Private and Government LPG Agencies

The real difference between the two types of gas agencies doesn’t just lie in their name, but it is more focused on the kind of services that both bring on the table.

1. The Application Process Differs

Government gas agencies have improved remarkably over the years, but they still need to improve more. When applying for a connection, it takes around 3 to 4 days for processing and up to 10 days for making the connection operational.

But if you apply for a connection in a private gas company, you will get your LPG connection within 24 to 48 hours of applying. The process is simple and hassle-free. Once you submit your application and your documents are verified, a professional assistant from the company comes and will guide you through the installation process.

2. Cylinder Refills

The process of refilling the cylinder in private gas agencies does not require much effort. Just pick up your phone, open their application or visit the website, and reach out to the dealership from their 24/7 telecommunication customer service. 

The same thing if you do in a government LPG agency, you would have had to pre-book at least a week prior or for remote locations, it can even extend up to a month.

3. Infrastructure and Technology

When it comes to setting up an high-end infrastructure and use of advanced technologies, private gas agencies and government-powered agencies have significant differences. While the public-sector LPG agencies are funded by the government, hence, the infrastructure is set accordingly. 

But private LPG dealerships are run by privately owned companies, as a result of which they can invest in proper storage facilities and advanced technologies. This is beneficial for maintaining a constant LPG supply so that customers never face the problem of running out of gas.

4. Transparent and Flexible Pricing

Private gas agencies offer a transparent pricing structure without any hidden charges. Their flexible policies related to cylinder exchange, refill, urgent deliveries,  and digital payment options make it convenient for users to understand and execute the cylinder booking process.

Government LPG distributors follow strict regulatory protocols, which might limit this flexibility. LPG consumers need to pay the price as fixed by the government.

You may also like: Why You Should Consider Private Gas Companies?

Which Gas Agency Is The Best Choice?

If affordability and subsidy benefits are your main concerns, then a government LPG agency is likely to be a  good bet. However, if you value superior service, timely doorstep delivery, and modern booking conveniences, applying for a connection in a private gas agency will always be the best choice.

By understanding how each of the two agencies operate, you can make a confident decision that will lead to uninterrupted LPG supply with a genuine service backup.