Mumbai, March 5 (IANS): Ordering a new mini-gas connection or a refill cylinder will now be as simple as ordering a pizza -- courtesy a new consumer-friendly scheme launched Wednesday.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has launched a new service "Dial Bharatgas Mini" reachable on a common all-India phone number for the benefit of consumers.

Available through the PSU Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), the service was launched in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Delhi and Hyderabad Wednesday.

It will be extended to Mumbai and Pune this week and made available in a phased manner in other cities around the country, an official statement said.

Under this, a consumer can dial a national toll-free number (1800 224 344) and can either get a new gas connection or a refill cylinder.

For a new five kg connection, the customer will pay Rs.1,000 plus taxes, Rs.250 for regulator and the cost of the LPG which will be as per non-domestic rates.

The new connection or refill will be delivered to the consumer's residence within two hours with a small service charge of Rs.25.

Though orders can be placed round-the-clock, deliveries will be available between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. only.

The BPCL had launched sale of the mini-gas (five kg) cylinders at market rates with minimal documentation from its petrol pumps in October 2013. It proved to be successful for new consumer segments comprising IT professionals, BPO employees, students and the like.

The BPCL also announced a return option for the mini-gas cylinder connection in case a consumer moves out of a city.