Let there be a thorough probe : Distributors
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 24 2016:
Some LPG distributors have expressed keen desire for the authority concerned to investigate and find out the sources of LPG refills sold in black markets at different places in Manipur valley.
They told The Sangai Express that a little investigation can trace the sources of LPG refills sold in black markets.
There are around 64 LPG distributors in the State; 35 in the valley and 29 in the hill districts.
Although LPG distributors located in the valley announce stock position, time and date for refill distribution as well as the dates of booking eligible for claiming refills through newspapers, LPG distributors based in the hill districts don't make such announcement.
It would also be helpful if the authority examines whether announcement of the dates of booking, time for delivery of refills and stock positions is necessary or not, said the distributors.
Many black marketers have easy access to subsidized LPG refills and they can even order as many as 20 refills in a single through telephone.
Most of these refills come from distributors.
The authority concerned can easily find out through a little investigation whether the refills sold in black markets came from distributors based in the valley or their colleagues based in the hill districts.
IOC has been allotting LPG refills to all distributors uniformly under common rules and norms.
However, it remains a big question whether LPG refills allotted to hill-based distributors are distributed to consumers properly or not.
The question assumes greater significance in view of the reports that many households of the hill areas still prefer firewood to LPG for cooking purposes in view of the former's easier accessibility.
In Chandel district, there are BD Gas Agency, Haokip Gas Service, SP Chakpi Indane Gramin Vitrak, Ashangbi Indane Gramin Vitrak, HQ Pallel Indane Agency and Tengnoupal Indane Gramin Vitrak.
In Churachandpur district, there are Kim Joe Gas Service, Sialngenthang & Sons, STC Gas Agency, M/S Lupheng Indane Gramin Vitrak, Sunrise Indane Gramin Vitrak, Bungmual Indane Gramin Vitrak and Vangsei Indane Gramin Vitrak.
Senapati district has JS Indane Service, Iboyaima Tadubi Gas Agency, Khongsai RGGLV Indane, Pancham AR Indane Agency, Rakovi Indane Gramin Vitrak, HS Indane Gramin Vitrak and Th Hesho Indane Gramin Vitrak.
Tamenglong district has Thomson Indane Agency, Axial Indane, Noney Indane Gramin Vitrak and Thangal Indane Gramin Vitrak.
There are Zingso Gas Service, Bingpa Indane Gramin Vitrak, Angam Indane Gramin Vitrak, Kasom Khullen Indane Gramin Vitrak and Phungyar Indane Gramin Vitrak in Ukhrul district.