SHILLONG: LPG consumers are complaining about the lack of clarity on the price of the LPG cylinders after the recent price hike by the Central Government and the subsequent decision if the State Government to absorb some of the price by excluding taxes etc.
In the absence of a clear cut directive from the Deputy Commissioner (Supply) consumers are facing a tough time understanding the economics of the LPG.
A resident of Central Mawprem said that earlier he used to pay Rs 400 for a cylinder against Rs 383 in the old rate and now it may be hiked to Rs 450 by the gas agency in the area.
“We were paying Rs 17 more than the actual rate of Rs 383 at the old rate and now we might have to pay Rs 26 more when the new rate is effected,” lamented the customer. He even said that when he protested to the gas agency that he would not pay Rs 17 extra, the agency stopped his supply.
“There were other residents in the area who faced the same problem and have been paying more than the government rate but none lodged any complaints for fear of vindictive action from LPG suppliers,” he said.
On Thursday a senior geologist of the government called up the office of The Shillong Times because he was unsure what the price of an LPG is today. When he went to the office of the Deputy Commissioner (Supply) the inspectors he met there could not give him a clear answer.
A resident of Mawlai Mawroh said that some officials from her gas agency made door to door visits after the Union Government increased the rate by Rs 50 per cylinder. “However, they did not come after the State Government reduced the rate and so we don’t know what is the rate per cylinder now,” she said adding that someone told her it is going to touch Rs 450 for a cylinder.
Interestingly residents from parts of Laban, Madanrting, Lapalang and other areas said that though the gas agencies issues a consumer receipt/slip with the government rate on it, but porters demands more despite the fact that porter charges are included in the receipt/slip.
“Actually, the problem is with delivery. I booked my cylinder on June 8 and got the delivery on July 8, i.e. after a month. When I asked the gas agency, they told me that they are making the delivery for June 18, which means my delivery is delayed by ten days,” said a resident of Bishnupur. These residents said that delivery is the biggest problem as it comes only once a month and in most cases it is delayed.
They also said that gas agencies book a cylinder only after fifteen days from the date of delivery.
A resident of Laitumkhrah Fruit Garden said she has not been getting her cylinder for over a month. Another customer from Lower New Colony said that though his gas supplier charge the new rate of Rs 424 but porters asks for some tips. Earlier cylinders were delivered every
Monday but now many Mondays have passed and there is no supply.
The owner of Eehcloy Gas Agency, JS Phanbuh said that they are charging Rs 424 per cylinder as fixed by the government recently.
“Supply is okay now that the government has made area wise segregation. It has become easier than earlier,” he said.
Other gas agencies in the town could not be contacted as they were not attending any calls on their mobile phones.
C Nongspung, Joint Director (Supply) said, “In a recent meeting it was decided that after fifteen days from the date of delivery a consumer can book the next cylinder and after ten days from the date of booking, delivery shall be made in order to facilitate consumers. But IOC has failed miserably in terms of supply despite being paid the money by bank drafts in advance by our distributors/agencies. Now we don’t have anyone in charge of our region after BC Das, Manager (LPG-S), IOCL, Shillong was transferred a month ago. No one has replaced him. This has put us at a great disadvantage.
It may mentioned that the Deputy Commissioner (Supply) East Khasi Hills District, Shillong had earlier informed that the price of domestic cylinder 14.2 kg has been fixed for home delivery at the rate of Rs 424 per LPG cylinder in the retail selling price for all LPG consumers for Greater Shillong areas.
The DC even said that any overcharging of the above price by any of the distributors and agencies should be brought to his notice by giving full details and particulars.