BPCL Launches India’s First LPG ATM for 24x7 Cylinder Access

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has launched India’s first Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at Central Park Flower Valley in Sector 33, Sohna, Gurugram, Haryana.

This launch was part of a pilot project of BPCL, named 'BharatGas Insta LPG'. Its objective is to test automated gas distribution in urban areas of the country.

It has been designed to provide quick, safe and 24x7 access to LPG, especially during the shortage in global supply due to the war crisis in West Asia.

The LPG ATM can store up to 10 cylinders at a time. When the stock falls below two cylinders, the nearby gas agency receives an alert to refill the cylinders in the machine.

receiving LPG cylinder from ATM

Registered BharatGas customers will have to enter their registered mobile number, verify it through a One Time Password (OTP), scan the barcode or Quick Response (QR) code present on their empty cylinder, and then complete the payment process digitally through Unified Payments Interface (UPI) or debit card.

This machine provides composite LPG cylinders. These cylinders are lighter, cleaner and easier to use compared to regular cylinders. Its transparent structure also allows customers to easily see the gas level.

Unlike regular iron cylinders, which weigh around 31 kg with 14 kg of gas, the fiber-made composite cylinder weighs around 15 kg with the same amount of gas.

About Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

It is a versatile, high-calorific and clean-burning fuel, mainly composed of propane and butane. It is obtained from natural gas processing or oil refining.

It is colorless, non-toxic and odorless, so a smelling substance (ethyl mercaptan) is added to detect leaks.

Its calorific value is very high, making it highly efficient for heating and cooking. It is stored in liquid form under pressure (1.5 to 2.0 times heavier than air), but it is used in vapor form.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) originated from Burma Shell Refineries Limited, which was established in 1952, and was nationalized by the Government of India in 1976.

It operates major refineries in Mumbai and Kochi and is a 'Maharatna' public sector company, which powers India through its large network and new initiatives like 'Pure for Sure'.

The Government of India acquired 100% ownership of Burma Shell’s assets in the year 1976 and on 24 January, it was renamed as 'Bharat Refineries Limited'.

In the year 1977, it was renamed as 'Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited'. BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited) is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.