New Delhi, Jul 24 (IANS): A five-kg LPG cooking gas will now be available through state-run oil marketing companies' (OMCs) retail outlets, as per the Free Trade LPG scheme approved by the government Wednesday.

An official statement here said the scheme is targetted at people who often change location, and do not want a permanent connection.

"It will serve customers who need flexibility for getting the LPG cylinders as per their convenience and their needs can also be fulfilled by smaller quantities of LPG," the statement said.

A five-kg LPG cylinder will cost between Rs.362 and Rs.370, with the price variation depending on the city.

The scheme is being launched on a pilot basis in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bangalore for selling the cylinders with or without the domestic pressure regulator (DPR), the statement said.

At the time of first sale, the cost of equipment (Deposit for Pressure Regulator plus cylinder), cost of product at the prevailing non-domestic price for 5kg cylinders and administrative charges will be payable. At the time of subsequent refill, only the cost of product will be payable, it said.

It said, at the time of first sale the prospective customer would only be required to give a copy of voter I-Card, driving licence, PAN card, Aadhaar card, bank pass book, employee ID, passport, student ID or any other document that can act as a proof of identity.

The retail outlet would keep a demo kit of an ideal kitchen and explain the cylinder connection and disconnection procedure at the time of first sale.

On the request of the customer, the retail outlet will also install the equipment at the customer's premises, and will provide after-sales services on chargeable basis, the statement said.