Common delivery charge still eludes consumers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 02 2016: Although supply and distribution of LPG refills have improved considerably, majority of the distributors have been taking home delivery charge in accordance to their own whims.

Some LPG distributors told The Sangai Express that many fellow distributors have been taking Rs 100 as delivery charge for one refill while some others have been taking Rs 80 or Rs 70 .

Delivery charge for one LPG refill as fixed by IOC and the Government is Rs 18.50 or Rs 18 .

It is said that this amount entails loss to distributors in thinly populated areas although the same amount may be applicable in thickly populated areas like metropolitan cities.

Following an appeal from LPG distributors to district administrations, Thoubal district administration and Imphal East district administration have issued orders whereby LPG distributors have been authorised to hike home delivery charges.

However, no such orders have been issued so far for all the remaining districts of the State.

One representative of the All Manipur LPG Distributors' Association said that distributors of Imphal East district may charge an additional Rs 30 for delivery of one LPG refill to a consumer residing within the radius of 15 Kms while those of Thoubal district may charge additional Rs 55 for delivery of a single refill to a consumer residing within the same distance.

They have been authorised to charge the additional amounts by the orders issued by the respective district administrations.

The variation between Thoubal district and Imphal district regarding hike in delivery charges was based on area coverage, said the representative.

On the other hand, Jemon Gas Chingamathak has lowered home delivery charge from Rs 75 to the earlier rate.

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