The Congress-led coalition government at the centre last month put a six-cylinder cap on subsidised LPG (cooking gas) cylinders to reduce the soaring subsidy bill and improve finances. But, many consumers are still confused about how the new policy will work. Here are some frequently asked question about the new LPG policy and their answers:

Ans: One would get six subsidised cylinders per household from April to March in a year.

Q: How the problems of joint families will be addressed?

A: For oil companies, a 'household' will mean a functioning 'kitchen'. Families that have more than one functioning kitchen in one address, they will be liable for the same number of connections as they would be treated as separate households.

Q: How companies will tackle those who have taken more than one connection from different companies?

A: Companies are developing special software which would use a common database for all the three oil companies that supply LPG. The special software will allow companies to catch hold of those how have more than one connect as keeping more than one connection is illegal.

Q: From which date the new policy is applicable? How many subsidized cylinders one can avail in the remaining months of current financial year?

A: The new policy took effect from 14th of September this year. Between 14th of September and 31st of March, each household will be able to avail three subsidised LPG cylinders.

Q: A family might have more than one cooking gas connections in the name of more than one member. Is it legal?

A: As per rules, there should be just one connection for a husband and wife. But for different names, the number of functional kitchens under one roof will determine the number of legal connections in a household. This concept is called multiple connections.