LPG crisis – 20% people are buying cylinders in black: Have to pay up to ₹ 4,000 more, gas is not reaching 68% houses on time.

Lines for cylinders are still being seen at agencies across the country.

Due to shortage of LPG, black marketing of cylinders has increased in the country. Due to shortage of gas and delay in delivery, about 20% of the families in the country have to buy cylinders in black. For this, people have to pay up to Rs 4000 for a domestic cylinder.

According to the survey report released by LocalCircles, the number of people taking black cylinders has increased by 6% compared to last week. The survey revealed that 68% of Indian households faced delays in gas delivery this week, while last week this figure was 57%.

Gas imports into India have been affected due to Iran’s ongoing war with America and Israel and the closure of the Hormuz Route. However, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had said in the press conference on Friday that now there has been a decline in panic booking, but the situation still remains a matter of concern.

Customers have to pay up to ₹ 4,000 more

According to the survey, due to the shortage of gas, the number of people taking cylinders in black has increased from 14% to 20% as compared to last week. People are paying ₹300 to ₹4,000 more than the fixed rate. In one case, a retired officer’s housing society had to pay up to ₹5,000 for a cylinder for a community event.

Delivery message is coming without cylinder being received

The digital system created by the government to make gas supply transparent is now being misused. About 12% consumers have complained of receiving fraudulent SMS. It is being claimed in these messages that their cylinder has been delivered, whereas the gas has not reached their home. This ‘phantom delivery’ i.e. delivery on paper has reduced people’s trust in official booking platforms.

Only 28% families are getting cylinders on time

A survey conducted on 57,000 people in 328 districts of the country revealed that only 28% of the families are getting gas on time. This survey included 61% men and 39% women from cities and villages, most of whom reported problems in gas supply.

People returning to PNG in cities and wood in villages

In view of the shortage of gas supply, urban consumers are now shifting towards piped natural gas (PNG). At the same time, the situation in rural India is even worse. The survey shows that due to lack of supply, more than 40% of the rural population is still dependent on traditional biomass (wood and cow dung cakes).

Demand for strict action from the government

LocalCircles is now preparing to submit the report of this survey to the Central Government and concerned ministries. The organization has demanded that immediate strict action should be taken against the dealers and fraudulent agencies hoarding gas. Besides, an appeal has also been made to remove the flaws in the digital system so that the common man does not have to buy cylinders in the black.

4500 raids conducted to stop black marketing

The Petroleum Ministry said that the government has formed control rooms and district level monitoring committees in 32 states and union territories to increase monitoring. 4500 raids were conducted across the country to stop hoarding and black marketing. Of these, 1100 raids took place in Uttar Pradesh. At the same time, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) also conducted 1800 surprise inspections.

Sujata Sharma said that in the last one week, about 11,300 tonnes of commercial LPG has been given to consumers and it has been allocated in 18 states and union territories.

2 reasons for increase in crude and gas prices

1. Qatar’s Ras Laffan plant closed

Qatar’s Ras Laffan has suffered major damage in Iran’s drone attacks. It is the world’s largest LNG hub and about one-fifth (20%) of the global supply comes from here. After the attack, this plant is currently closed. Due to this the supply has stopped.

2. Almost closure of ‘Strait of Hormuz’

The biggest challenge for India is the closure of the ‘Strait of Hormuz’. This is about 167 km long waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. Due to Iran war this route is no longer safe. In view of the danger, no oil tanker is passing through there.

20% of the world’s total petroleum passes through here. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait also depend on it for their exports. India sources 50% of its crude oil and 54% of its LNG requirement through this route. Iran itself exports through this route.

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