Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Fuel supply across most petrol pumps in the city improved on Sunday, with no visible vehicle queues after fresh stock arrived late Saturday night. However, the crisis surrounding LPG supply and pricing remains unresolved, forcing autorickshaw drivers to run from one outlet to another without success.
The situation showed signs of recovery after district collector Dilip Swami convened a joint meeting on the 27th with petrol pump operators and company representatives. During the meeting, it emerged that internal disputes between agencies and companies had disrupted coordination, leading to supply bottlenecks. The collector reportedly warned of legal action against both companies and distributors, following which movement in supply was observed from Saturday night. For the past eight days, petrol and diesel pumps had witnessed fluctuating queues due to the mismatch between demand and supply and lack of coordination among stakeholders.
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PNG kits installed, but pipeline missing
In zones 5, 8 and 9 of the city, PNG kits have been installed in several households. However, pipeline connectivity for gas supply has not yet been provided. In Kumbhephal, Bajajnagar and Waluj Mahanagar-1, as many as 12,142 connections have been initiated, of which around 3,000 are active within municipal limits.
The city has 13 to 14 LPG pumps, including four operated by Go-Gas. On Sunday, all LPG outlets remained closed. Complaints have surfaced regarding disparity in LPG pricing, with the current rate reportedly touching Rs 120 per kg. District supply officer Pravin Phulari stated that the administration has no direct control over LPG rates but confirmed that complaints about differential pricing are under scrutiny. “If discrepancies in rates are found, criminal cases will be registered,” he said.
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Allegations of overcharging, black marketing
Allegations of overcharging at LPG pumps have intensified after Uddhav Sena district chief Ambadas Danve circulated receipts on social media showing two different rates charged for the same product at the same outlet on the same day. Danve alleged rampant black marketing and accused the supply department of failing to take cognisance. He demanded that LPG pumps remain operational round the clock until stock lasts, mandatory issuance of official receipts after every refill, acceptance of online payments, and display boards indicating available stock.