On Friday, K. Thulasi, who delivers liquefied petroleum gas cylinders to households, got a first-hand experience of the reaction evoked by the Union government decision to put a cap on LPG supply.
“When I made the rounds to deliver the cylinders, some argued with me, some repeatedly vowed to cut down cooking gas usage, while a few were in a defiant mood. I did not know how to respond,” said Thulasi.
According to the order, each household will now be entitled to only six cylinders of 14.2-kg a year at the subsidised rate of Rs.399. To get more cylinders, the market rate of Rs.746 a unit will have to be paid.
Some are realistic, ready to adapt to the changed situation. “We cannot ignore the fact that resources are depleting. We need to bring down the usage. Limiting the use of LPG cylinders to just six a year will be extremely difficult. I might have to tweak my budget to purchase extra ones. Otherwise, I might have to use induction cooker or use wood as fuel,” says V.M. Shaina, a homemaker. “We are careful about using electricity. Perhaps the time has come to keep tabs on LPG use too,” she adds.
Phased manner
A gas agency owner in the city feels that the change should have taken place in a phased manner, by increasing the price of the cylinders. “We have not received any directions regarding the changes that have to be made in registration and other procedures,” he said.
The worst-hit will be residents of flats, for whom alternatives will be hard to come by. “We do not know how to manage gas usage the supply is common. A small household itself will need at least six cylinders to make it through a year. We are not sure how to fix the price for the reticulated connection. This has put us in a fix,” said R. Manoj, a flat owner in Vazhuthacaud.
According to Federation of Resident’s Associations (FRAT) president Vennkulam George Varghese, the curb will affect the common man.
“We need a minimum of 12 cylinders. The government should rescind the order,” said Mr. Varghese.
