AGARTALA, May 28 (TIWN): The customers of Battala Gas Agency on Thursday showed agitation against the irregular supply of LPG Gas. Talking to TIWN, one of the customer who was suffering said that, this situation is continuing from last two or three months. However, black-marketing of gases continues in the State.

Customer alleged that before the tentative date of supplying gas, hoarding is being put demanding that due to irregularity of the trucks, it is not possible to supply gas in due time. But on the other hand, the home delivery of gas continues in terms of Rs 1000-1200 through black-marketing.

Despite that the authorities had played the role of silent spectator and refuse to take any responsibility. When the customers talked with the manager, he had shown the path of Regional manager. Though the customers are not sure whether the situation emerges due to the shortage of gas or not, but the other customers of Capital gas Agency receive sufficient supply of LPG Gas- the customers further added.

On the other hand, the department has already requested its valued customers to get their bluebooks verified at the LPG gas agency or gas companies. It also requested to the customers to surrender their ‘illegal’ connections immediately if they have or the department would take legal action under the revised LPG (Regulation of Supplies and Distribution) order.

As per the revised order, a consumer is supposed to surrender its domestic LPG connection within six months of getting piped gas connection. Sources in the department said around 15/20 percent of the total LPG ‘consumers’ are illegally collecting refilled LPG cylinders from various sources that resulted in severe shortage of cooking gas in the land­locked state. The decision to launch crackdown against illegal use of LPG cylinders has been taken keeping in mind of the ongoing shortage of cooking gas over the past few months.

Lack of vigilance over the unauthorized use of domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders has resulted in a flourishing black market of the essential kitchen commodity. Taking advantage of the 'pathetic' enforcement, a large number of food stalls and factories freely use the cylinders meant for domestic use.