A grievance redressal meet to address complaints on LPG supply and delivery was organised by the Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department here on Saturday.
Participants made direct representation to oil company executives about their problems and gave suggestions on improving services.
C.N. Maheswaran, Joint Commissioner of the Consumer Protection Department, said, “Since agencies are involved in distribution, consumers do not know how to redress their grievances. Consumer meets are organised to facilitate dialogue between oil companies and their customers.”
He said a registry of complaints was maintained and a review undertaken 15 days after every meet.
“As the public have a voice and can make representation, agencies have started fearing them,” Mr. Maheswaran added.
Delay in supply of cylinders was one of the major complaints made by the consumers.
It was followed by procedural issues that made transferring a gas connection difficult and ‘attitude' of agency dealers.
Many persons also raised the issue of domestic LPG cylinders being used for commercial purposes, resulting in delay of supply to households.
Responding to the complaint, A. Annamalai, Deputy Commissioner (North) of the department, said that though the act was illegal, public support was required to tackle it. “So far, 3,700 cylinders have been seized this year. But, we rely on someone in the locality to alert us,” he said.
A complaint on any consumer-related issue could be filed through the department's helpline 044-28592828 or emailed to consumer@tn.gov.in.
