By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The recent scarcity in supply of cylinders has hit the common householders hard. There has been a delay in distribution, virtually in every corner of the city.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, a resident of New Kench’s Trace said that she had not received her cylinder for the last one and half months. “When I enquired with the gas agency I was told that they are delivering the cylinder for March 20 whereas my booking is on April 25. The situation was such that I had to buy a cylinder in black for Rs 750,” she said. A resident of Wahingdoh said that such scarcity is man-made since cylinders are dished out happily in black but problem arises during procurement by allotted cards. His statement was supported by another resident who said that the seizures of domestic LPG cylinders by the district administration in the last few months all over the city boldly highlights the fact that cylinders meant for genuine customers are diverted into the black market.
These residents said that scarcity is a common phenomenon for the residents of the city whereas there is no dearth for the commercial establishments since they get their share even if it is at the cost of the genuine customers. A resident of Laitumkhrah said that she waited for her cylinder for over two months and finally managed one from the black market for Rs 1000.
These residents also said that the booking period and delivery of cylinder within a specified time is only an eye wash since the gas agencies are openly violating the norms laid down by the government and doing their business scot-free.
Meanwhile, DC, East Khasi Hills informed that the present crisis has also hit Assam due to damage in the two bottling plants which make the bulk of the supply to the state. “One of the plants has been damaged by the militants whereas the other one is under annual maintenance and this amounted to the current scarcity,” he said.
The DC said that by the beginning of next month there will be regular supply, adding that restoration of supply will begin by this month’s end. “We have requested public to bear with us for the time being since we have even tried other option via quota but that has not worked out,” said the DC adding if public have any problem of not getting their cylinder for the last 3/4 months then they can take it up with him.