The city is grappling with a severe shortage of domestic and commercial gas cylinders, leading to rampant black marketing and forcing consumers to pay exorbitant prices. Domestic cylinders, officially priced at Rs 964, are reportedly being sold for Rs 2,500– Rs 3,000, placing a heavy burden on households.
Nagpur district has over 55 distributor agencies of Indane, Hindustan Petroleum, and Bharat Petroleum, serving more than 12 lakh domestic consumers, over one lakh commercial users, and around 5,000 industrial users. Despite this extensive network, supply gaps have created opportunities for illegal profiteering.
Under Central Government policy, customers can book a refill only after 25 days of the previous delivery. However, even after booking, consumers report waiting an additional 15–20 days, resulting in total delays of 40–45 days. This has forced many to turn to the black market for immediate requirements.
The price disparity is stark. A 14.2 kg domestic cylinder officially costing Rs 964 is being sold at nearly three times the price, while commercial cylinders priced at Rs 2,000 are reportedly sold between Rs 3,500 and Rs 4,000. Allegations have also emerged of a nexus between agency staff and delivery personnel, with cylinders diverted and sold at inflated rates. Residents often face long queues outside agencies from early morning, only to be told that stock is unavailable.
Gajanan Pandey of the All India Consumer Panchayat has demanded strict action, including the arrest of delivery personnel involved in black marketing. Citizens are urging the Food and Civil Supplies Department to conduct raids and ensure transparent distribution.
Gas agency operators, however, deny any wrongdoing, stating that supplies are distributed according to quotas received from oil companies and attributing delays to procedural requirements in booking and delivery.
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