Consumer Club's intervention improves distribution
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 22 2015: Following strict vigilance and consistent inquiries made by Jiribam Consumers' Club (JCC), LPG refill distribution by Emoinu Gas Agency, Jiribam has improved considerably.

However, the same agency has been charging Rs 2000 more than the amount fixed by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) for registration of new LPG connection.

One key functionary of JCC told The Sangai Express that Emoinu Gas Agency was distributing refills in a very partial and whimsical manner.

Whereas a few consumers favoured and respected by the distributors were given refills quite freely, the vast majority of the consumers were literally made to beg.

Following such lop-sided nature of distribution, JCC lodged complaints with IOC officials stationed at Silchar.

A few days back, a joint meeting of the staff of Emoinu Gas Agency and JCC was held and the two sides arrived at an agreement on certain points.

Subsequent upon the joint meeting, difficulties faced by consumers have been considerably ameliorated.

After a long gap, movement of trucks laden with LPG cylinders is visible since the last few days.

Although Jiribam is located within Imphal East district, LPG used in the sub-division is supplied from Silchar rather than from Imphal (Sekmai Bottling Plant).

The joint meeting held a few days back discussed about distribution of refills regularly and booking for next refills in time.

The JCC functionary asserted that consumers need to highlight their grievances to top IOC officials.

The IOC officials stationed at Silchar appreciated the JCC when it lodged complaints against erratic refill distribution in the sub-division.

They (IOC officials) also assured that they would visit Jiribam and check distribution of LPG refills.

A detailed report of the amounts charged by Emoinu Gas Agency for registration of new connections has been collected by JCC and it has been learnt that the agency has been charging Rs 2000 more than the amounts fixed by IOC for registration of new connections.

According to Emoinu Gas Agency, there is an association of the LPG distributors of Manipur and the additional amount of Rs 2000 was charged as decided by the association as 'agency charge' .

If there is no such decision of the distributors' association to charge extra Rs 2000 for registration of new connections, JCC would ensure that the agency does not charge any extra money, declared the JCC functionary.

Performance of Emoinu Gas Agency which has a total of 1609 active consumers has been rated poor.

Nonetheless, official records claim that all consumers who made their bookings on December 19 and earlier have been issued refills and there are 984 consumers who are awaiting refills after they have made their bookings after December 19 .

As reflected correctly in its rating (poor), majority of the consumers of Emoinu Gas Agency have received only two/three refills this financial year although a few consumers have been issued more than the average consumption rate.

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