The cooking gas has become costlier thanks to the government policy to regulate the distribute in sugar coated policy of making the same available cheaper to the low income group. In Manipur these LPG cylinders were mostly available on the black market in view of the general strikes, blockades and other forms of disruptions which had become an order of the day. In those days one LPG cylinder was available at Rs 800 or so.
However it has been increased to Rs 1500 at the cheapest once the new system was introduced. The cooking gas agents have made things very complicated with disinformation given to the consumers who seek some legitimate information to furnish the necessary documents. There were also allegations that some of the agents had extorted money while issuing the forms. In view of the avoidable delays the consumers are unable to obtain their LPG cylinders in time. It means that they have to depend in the shops and other persons who sell the same on the black market. Though it is a known fact that the cylinders are sold at this prohibitive price nothing has been done and the helpless consumers have to pay the big amount.
On the other hand the gas agency here Imphal has failed to provide the assured number of Cylinder to every household in time. 12 in 12 months remain as a big joke to the people. Source said that the agency are earning huge amount with the introduction of the new system in the state. Earlier, there were only fe hundreds profit in selling the gas cylinder at black market but now earns Rs. 1000 per cylinder.
