Black-marketeering leads to scarcity

KOCHI: One of the reasons for the delay in the distribution of LPG cylinders is the shortage of funds faced by the distribution agencies. And the reason for the financial crunch is that many of the distribution agencies supply domestic LPG cylinders to commercial customers on credit.In the meeting convened by the District Supply Officer (DSO) the other day, the representatives of oil companies informed that they are ready to supply the cylinders at the time of payment. Given the fact that domestic customers make the payment while they receive the cylinders, there is little room for shortage of funds. During the drive against black-marketeering of LPG, the squad consisting of civil supplies officials had unearthed large-scale misuse of domestic cylinders by commercial customers. “Once when we conducted raid in Kochi, we found LPG from domestic cylinders being filled into commercial cylinders. For this they use the most unscientific and dangerous methods,” said M P Chandrakumar, DSO.  The distribution agencies illegally supply domestic cylinders in the black market on a large-scale. The black-marketeers buy the cylinders on credit.  This results in the shortage of funds for the distribution agencies and will have a dual impact on customers. It will create shortage of LPG and push the LPG distribution firm into financial uncertainty. The authorities say because of staff shortage it is not possible to take stringent action against offenders. They are unable to conduct raids to check black-marketeering and diversion as the officials with the Civil Supplies Department are busy with the routine duties.