GAS SCARCITY CREATED BY BLACK MARKETING

Madikeri July 22, No gas for cooking; only available for vehicles and Commercial use! This is the situation in Kodagu District since several months. The food inspectors are silent and became inactive. When they start raid, some high influence stop their legal action against the illegal stocking of gas cylinders for commercial purpose. In some places like Siddapur, the gas is sold in K.G. quantities. The racketeers charge Rs. 40 to 50 per K.G.

The residents who could not get firewood, charcoal due to scarcity especially during the heavy rainy season in the district have to struggle for the cooking gas also. Even, the electricity supply is severely affected by the tree falling and rain damages. Although the international price is Rs.467nper 14.2 K.G.cylinder, the central Govt. provide subsidy and the cooing gas is available for Rs. 307 per cylinder in India.

The 19 K.G. cylinders has the fixed rate of Rs. 889. The mediators misuse this They get the cooking cylinder of 14.2 K.Gs for Rs. 307 and are reselling it for higher prices, In some places, the cooking gas is refilled for commercial cylinders and sold for higher price.

The cooking gas is used in many vehicles. Even, the hire vehicles used for carrying school children also illegally fix these cylinders. This is dangerous also. The children are unsafe in these vehicles. The authentic domestic users have to wait for weeks to get the cooking gas after they order for it. The mediators are refilling the subsided gas for commercial cylinders and selling it in black market. The gas suppliers have complained to the authorities several times. The officials initially move for raid and they stop as soon as they receive influential calls. The law permits for serious punishment to the illegal traders. But the mediators and officials in collision involved in the racketing. The genuine users are slowly getting organized to protest the black marketing.