Patna, Oct. 20: A new LPG cylinder connection can burn a hole in your pocket if the whims of dealers based in Patna are anything to go by.

The LPG dealers in the state capital are charging an extra amount on new gas connections by forcing consumers to purchase gas oven. However, oil marketing companies do not permit such a practice.

It is a common practice that prevails everywhere in the state but the oil marketing companies are reluctant to take any action against the dealers.

At present, if a consumer wanted to get a new connection he/she will have to pay Rs 4,550 for a single gas cylinder along with a double burner gas oven.

The consumers would be shelling out an additional Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,700 on a new gas connection on account of an oven purchase, which is an exorbitant price for many families.

Had the consumers purchased an oven from the market, he/she would have saved at least Rs 1,250 to Rs 2,000 since an ISI mark oven sells at a range between Rs 750 and Rs 1,500.

When approached an LPG cylinder dealer for a gas connection, the dealer said one has to pay Rs 4,550 for a single cylinder along with an oven.

Asked why such an exorbitant rate was being charged, the gas dealer said: “It is mandatory to buy a double burner oven if you want to get a gas connection.”

The dealer, however, refused to give the break-up of the amount to ensure what the dealer was charging for the stove.

On the other hand, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd completely denied having issued any such guideline for dealers to sell gas oven along with the cylinder.

“It is not mandatory to purchase an oven from the dealer. The consumers are free to purchase it from the market provided it has an ISI or BIS mark,” Sanjay Raj Kujurd, manager, sales (LPG), Patna told The Telegraph.

Kujur made it clear that consumers would have to pay Rs 2,066 for a new gas connection and can purchase an oven from the market.

However, the consumer would have to deposit Rs 230 as inspection fee and the dealer would go to the consumer’s house to verify whether the consumer has purchased a genuine ISI-mark oven with the tax duly paid.

Rahul Kumar a resident of Indrapuri said he was planning to get a new gas connection but shelved his plan when he came to know that he would have to purchase an oven. Kumar said he already has an oven and a second one would pinch his pocket.

“I am a student and also a part-time job holder. I already have an oven and at the same time can’t afford to cough such a huge amount to purchase an oven. These gas dealers are making money by selling ovens forcefully to the customers who do not require them,” Kumar said.