Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) launched Bharatgas Lite ZIP, a premium free trade LPG offering, in Mumbai on Monday. According to reports from The Hindu BusinessLine, the product was unveiled by Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Khanna and is positioned at working professionals, students, and mobile urban populations. The company has announced plans to expand this service to 100 cities across 24 states by August 15, 2026, with the rollout timed to coincide with Independence Day celebrations. As per the latest press releases, the product is designed to deliver a faster, smarter and more convenient customer experience in the competitive LPG market.
The Bharatgas Lite ZIP product combines BPCL's existing lightweight composite Bharatgas Lite cylinder with two new service features: instant new connections through a simplified onboarding process, and express delivery of LPG cylinders. As reported by The Hindu BusinessLine, the composite cylinder offers a transparent body that allows users to visually monitor gas levels, along with a corrosion-free build and lighter weight compared to conventional steel cylinders. The offering operates under the free trade LPG segment, meaning it is priced outside the regulated subsidy framework.
Director of Marketing Subhankar Sen highlighted that the launch incorporates 100 per cent digital booking, OTP-based delivery authentication, and a quality assurance programme called Zero Ka Dum. According to The Hindu BusinessLine, these digital features are designed to streamline the customer experience and ensure service quality across the expanded network. The comprehensive digital integration reflects BPCL's commitment to modernizing its LPG distribution infrastructure.
BPCL is actively exploring long-term crude supply deals as fuel prices remain elevated. Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta, director (finance) at BPCL, stated that fuel prices require revision based on current crude prices, noting that when crude oil goes beyond $80 per barrel, there is stress on our balance sheet. The company is considering signing a term contract with the United States by the end of 2026 for 2 million barrels of crude oil annually to ensure energy availability. BPCL currently buys crude oil from the US on a spot basis and might also consider term deals with Venezuela and Angola, subject to favourable pricing.
BPCL reported net losses of ₹1,873 crore in Q1FY27 due to elevated energy prices and delayed fuel price hikes, as oil marketing companies refrained from increasing petrol and diesel prices until early May despite crude oil crossing $100 per barrel. The company has reached out to the Indian government regarding steep losses from petrol, diesel, and LPG cylinder sales, with cumulative LPG under-recovery standing at ₹15,803 crore as of June 30. Gupta indicated the company is hopeful of similar government support this year, noting that the Centre previously provided ₹22,000 crore in 2022-23 and ₹30,000 crore in 2023-24 to offset domestic LPG sales losses.
