Addl amount charged for new connections ?
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 27 2016: It appears that some LPG distributors have still been charging additional amounts for new LPG connections.

The amount fixed by the IOC for new LPG connection is just Rs 1600 approximately.

This amount is inclusive of Rs 1150 for a cylinder of 14.2 Kg capacity, Rs 100 for pressure regulator, Rs 250 for hotplate inspection and Rs 50 for installation and demonstration.

However, some distributors have been charging money more than the amount fixed by LPG for new connections.

One individual who got a new connection from Yairipok Gas a few days back told The Sangai Express on condition of anonymity that he was charged Rs 6500 for a single cylinder connection.

Although Rs 6500 was collected in cash, the distributor only entered Rs 3000 in the pay slip/cash memo.

Moreover, whereas the new consumer was issued a single cylinder, documents issued for the new connection said that two cylinders have been issued.

On being enquired on why it was said that two cylinders have been issued while he was given only one cylinder, the distributor told him that he may collect another cylinder by paying Rs 3000 .

If this amount is taken into account, a new connection of double cylinder costs Rs 9500 .

This is nothing short of day light robbery.

The authorities concerned need to take up immediate corrective measures against such deceitful practices, said the consumer.

Meanwhile, it is said that some consumers have started selling off subsidized LPG refills in grey black markets following substantial improvement in supply and distribution of LPG refills in the current month.

Some shopkeepers of greater Imphal area said that the price of a single LPG refill reached Rs 2200 some months back in the grey markets.

People who run hotels/restaurants bought refills of 14.2 Kg capacity at Rs 2200 as they had no other option.

Some people who took subsidized LPG refills from distributors came to shops/hotels offering to sell their refills at inflated prices.

They have been offering their subsidized LPG at Rs 1000 to Rs 1100 per refill.

The total number of subsidized LPG refills guaranteed by the Government of India to each consumer is 12 and the average annual consumption is estimated at seven refills.

If the guaranteed 12 cylinders are delivered to each and every consumer, many consumers would find the 12 refills excessive as they would not be able to use all the 12 refills within 12 months.

As such, they may be prompted to sell the subsidized refills at higher prices in grey markets.

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