The Hindu

• Refill not made available even after 21 days, says MLA 
• Supply of gas likely to be streamlined
• ‘Diversion of cylinders to non-domestic users has compounded the problem’

Mangalore, Jul 9: Complaints on delay by oil companies in providing LPG refills to consumers dominated the review meeting conducted by Minister of Food and Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs H. Halappa here on Tuesday.

Elected representatives, who raised the issue, apprised him of the plight of people with single LPG connection in obtaining a second cylinder.

Puttur MLA Mallika Prasad, who narrated her own experience, said oil companies were not providing refill even after the mandatory 21 days. In some villages, the refill cylinders had been supplied after 50 days of booking, she said. MLC Bharathi Shetty said that consumers were facing problems in getting a second LPG connection. The delay in getting refill cylinders had only compounded their problems, he added. Chief divisional manager (Retail Sales) in Indian Oil Corporation Ullas Kamath said that the supply of cylinders would soon be streamlined. “A few problems in places such as Puttur and Bantwal will be sorted out,” he said.

President of Nagarika Hitharakshana Samiti Hanumanth G. Kamath, who submitted a memorandum to the Minister, said that the problem of LPG shortage had arisen because of the failure of authorities to check the illegal diversion of subsidised domestic gas to hotels and vehicle-users. Deputy Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao, who disagreed with Mr. Kamath, said the Department of Food and Civil Supplies, Regional Transport Office and the Police were carrying out enforcement drives, periodically. However, the drives had been held up owing to Assembly elections. Stating that there would be no let up in this regard, he said the oil companies were cooperating with the administration in checking the misuse of gas.

Mangalore MLA U.T. Khader urged the Minister to direct oil companies to regulate their agencies. He alleged that these agencies were instrumental in creating problems for consumers as they were ready to supply the refill at a premium. Mr. Ullas Kamath denied the allegation while attributing it to the handiwork of a few unscrupulous delivery boys working with the agencies. Mr. Kamath urged the Minister to take up the issue of providing new LPG connections to consumers with the Union Government.

Issue of fuel

Responding to Minister’s query on fuels, Mr. Kamath said there was no shortage of ordinary and branded fuels in the district. He suggested that the allocation of fuel by various oil companies to petrol bunks at district-level be rationalised based on the demand and supply aspects. To another suggestion from Mr. Khader on the need for opening more fair price depots, especially in rural areas, Mr. Halappa said they would be opened, based on the needs. Mr. Rao informed the Minister that the administration had identified some areas to open new fair price depots.