Mangaluru: Five Kg mini cylinders were launched a month ago in the petrol bunks of the Bharat Petroleum, but the off take has been tepid. It’s non-subsidized and costs Rs: 434 per cylinder.

Over the past one month there have been four new connections and 12 refills. A representative from the Navabharat Circle outlet said they had issued two new connections and about 14 refills.

It was touted as the solution for migrant and working couples and bachelors to get cooking gas cylinders at their convenience. The applicants have to submit a photo identity card to obtain a cylinder. Besides the cost of the cylinder, new owners should also deposit Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 290 for a regulator.

The  mini cylinders  are  available at their bunks near Lady Hill Circle and  Navabharat Circle while the one in Valencia is yet to start.

Representatives of the outlets said there were queries about the cylinders but few have come forward to get a connection. “The few who have taken the connection are those who just moved into the city. A few bachelors have also taken connections,” said a representative from the Ladyhill Circle bunk.

One reason for the poor response has been the price according to a BPCL representative.  He said the company would take out campaigns to promote them.