Since sometime past great difficulty is experienced from the general shortage of kerosine oil, and no vigorous steps have yet been taken to allay the distress of the public. Between the hours of 4 and 6 in the evening every day a kerosine oil bazaar is swarmed by people anxiously waiting for their day’s supply of oil. A local depot keeper when asked by one of our representatives told him that since the stoppage of the American oil and the irregular and insufficient supply by the importing companies the situation had become more aggravated. Further enquiry showed him that in addition to this partial truth, the depot keepers do not put in market the entire quantity that they obtain from the agents. A great part of their supply is sold to retailers and who in turn raise the price as it suits them best. If these unscrupulous profiteers are pointed out their illegality and dishonest business the situation becomes worse and one has to go back disappointed. Another vagary of the bazaarman is that they do not sell before 4 o’clock or after seven o’clock in the evenings. It was only a few days ago that one of the principal oil companies in the city [Madras] have made special arrangements for the supply of oil to clerks and menials in Government offices and important European firms and shops. The B.O.C. to alleviate the general situation of the famine have yet opened another Sub-Agency on the First Line Beach for the retail sale of kerosine.
