Confusion over meagre subsidy on gas connections

Aurangabad, Dec 4:

Many LPG gas consumers in the city have complained of not getting the subsidy amount on LPG gas or only a meagre amount being credited to their accounts. These consumers have quizzed whether the government has stopped giving subsidy. However, sources in the gas-distributing agencies have said that consumers are not getting any subsidy as the actual price has been reduced beyond the subsidized cylinder price fixed by the government.

The gas companies in the district including Bharat Gas, Indian Oil and Hindustan Petroleum have a combined 3.50 lakh gas customers. Out of these, around 50,000 consumers have not opted for subsidy, and the remaining connection holders get a subsidy of around Rs 1.50 lakh. However, since April 2020, many customers complained that the amount of gas subsidy had not been credited or only a meagre amount has been deposited in bank accounts. But no action has been taken in this regard. At present, the price of a subsidized gas cylinder in Aurangabad is Rs 653. According to the sources of the gas agencies, the frequent change in the price of the subsidized cylinder has narrowed down the price gap on the subsidized and unsubsidized cylinder. Hence the amount of subsidy has dropped below a rupee. As the actual price has been reduced beyond the subsidized cylinder price fixed by the government, the customers are not getting the benefit of the subsidy.

Rs 30-40 charged on home delivery

Gas companies have made available the facility of delivering doorstep gas cylinders. But many consumers are complaining that the gas delivery boys are charging extra Rs 30-40 for home delivery of cylinders. Despite receiving complaints from the customers, many distributors have turned a blind eye towards the issue.

Will take information

The district supply officer Mahadev Kirwale said that a letter has been sent to the representatives of the companies asking for a written reply. The gas agencies should specify the amount of subsidy while delivering the cylinder.