PROBLEM IN SUPPLY OF LPG

(Published in The New Indian Express)
BIKASH CHOUDHURY


Being a consumer of LPG connection of one of the public sector petroleum company; thought, after receiving a double cylinder, my problem would be over pertaining to erratic supply of LPG refill. But, that was one of my wishful thinking as I had to run after private suppliers of LPG in the neighbor hood, even after a booking for a refill of 38 days. I had to buy LPG at Rs.65 a Kg available in the open market. I am sure, thousands of LPG consumer would be facing similar problem again and again in the city of Bhubaneswar. Who is to blame for this sorry state of affairs? In my opinion, the hypocrisy in subsidizing pricing of LPG by Govt. alone responsible for this problem. Any middle class family in the city and else where could easily afford to pay Rs.450 for a standard cylinder of 14.2 Kg. Out of additional one hundred rupees if the LPG distributor gets additional Rs.25 as handling charges and rest Rs. 75 could go to reduce the subsidy of Govt. and thereby bridging the wide gap between subsidizing pricing and the open market and would help stop black market of such a sensitive item in our homes and more over reduce the risk to life of road side untrained shop keeper who vend LPG gas on the street with crude device. This could be a win-win solution for all stake holders. But, it is unlikely that authorities would see reason unless until LPG consumers vociferously raise this issue and media patronize the cause.