All well on paper, chaos on ground for gas consumers

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The situation of smooth supply of domestic gas in both urban and rural areas appears to exist only on paper, while the difficulties faced by citizens continue unabated.

Long queues are being witnessed at gas agencies, especially those of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), for domestic cylinders. Auto-rickshaw drivers are reportedly getting gas at higher prices, while the supply of commercial gas cylinders remains completely stalled. The only positive aspect at present is that the supply of petrol and diesel remains uninterrupted.

It is being claimed that the queues at gas agencies are due to KYC procedures. Although district collector Deelip Swami had instructed agency operators to pause KYC for eight days and shift the process online, no effective implementation has taken place. As a result, citizens continue to face difficulties in obtaining cylinders.

Memorandum submitted to district collector

A delegation of LPG pump operators met collector Deelip Swami and submitted a memorandum demanding immediate administrative intervention under the Essential Commodities Act. They urged authorities to direct oil companies to ensure a smooth gas supply.

Warning issued to BPCL by supply department

Supply officer Pravin Phulari has instructed BPCL gas agency operators to improve their functioning and not to inconvenience customers in the name of KYC. Agencies have been directed to facilitate online KYC and also enable delivery personnel to complete KYC at customers’ doorsteps. The department has warned of action if complaints from citizens continue.

No supply of commercial gas cylinders

The supply of commercial gas cylinders has still not resumed. Although there are claims that the gas quota has been increased by 20%, there has been no actual implementation by gas companies. Distributors state that deliveries will be made only after proper registration based on demand, but no concrete decision has been taken so far.

Meanwhile, hotel owner Dnyaneshwar Patange said, “We are contacting gas agencies to place orders, but they inform us that supply is currently halted.”