D Nagalakshmi, a
housewife was seen having heated words with a domestic gas dealer in
Ameerpet, for inordinate delay in supplying a cylinder. The sudden
shortage of domestic gas cylinders has put many city families in great
difficulty. Backlog in delivery of cylinders has been rising since
dealers have failed to deliver refilled cylinders on time.In
several places, customers were seen picking up arguments with dealers.
“I have booked a cylinder nearly 10 days ago but till now it has not
been delivered. This month being a festival season, use of cooking gas
has increased,” K Nagender, a businessman said.Though Civil
Supply officials have instructed gas dealers not to put consumers in
hardship, shortage of cooking gas has made them helpless. “In view of
the Sreerama Navami festival, demand for cylinders has gone up and we
have given instructions to take appropriate action,’’ officials said.Gas
cylinders, however, are allegedly available a higher price in the black
market. “We have been waiting for a cylinder since 10 days. However, we
found gas cylinders were available in the black market at a high
price,’’ K Nagender said. Some consumers have been forced to purchase a
cylinder for `750-`800, whereas the actual price is `350.It is
believed that the crisis began due to illegal diversion of domestic
cylinders to commercial customers. There are nearly 13 lakh domestic gas
users in the twin cities with 54 dealers of various oil companies
catering to their needs. Seshagiri, assistant supply officer (ASO),
Civil Supply department told Express that there are no reports of
cooking gas shortage in the twin cities but it is certain there could be
a rise in demand. “There might be sudden rise in demand for domestic
gas cylinders because of the festival season,’’ he informed. He said all
bookings are made as per guidance of the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)
and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) for domestic gas. “If
we find any diversion to the black market, we will initiate stern
action against dealers,’’ he said.
By Mouli Mareedu
moulimareedu@gmail.com
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