By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: With the Centre cap on supply of subsidized LPG cylinders, black marketing of cylinders has become rampant in Shillong.
Several agencies are not able to clear the backlog, an LPG cylinder is being sold in the grey market at Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,800. The actual price of a subsidized cylinder is Rs 435.
When some affected consumers approached gas agencies for non-subsidised cylinders, which is priced at Rs.959.50, they have to return empty hand due to ‘short supply’.
“Lack of enforcement and vigil over the unauthorised use of domestic LPG cylinders has resulted in a flourishing black market of the essential kitchen commodity,” said an affected consumer.
Meanwhile, expressing concern over the prevailing situation, an official of the Supply department said that the department has already conducted raids in several localities. “Recently one black marketer — Laloo yadav — was arrested but the court granted him bail after a few days later. This, we feel, was not right,” the official said.