LEECING GAS CONSUMERS THRO’ DIRECT CREDIT OF LPG SUBSIDY TO BANK ACCOUNT Govt. has recently introduced new policy of linking the bank account to gas consumer numbers so that the subsidy on the LPG Gas can be directly credited to the bank account. The present subsidized LPG price for gas cylinders of 14.2 kg is Rs. 447/- in Maharashtra which the consumer is paying when accepting delivery of LPG cylinders. However with the linkage of the bank account to the consumer gas number, the gas subsidy of Rs.435/- is credited to the consumer’s bank account in advance and consumer is required to pay the full price of Rs.1025/- per gas cylinder at the time of accepting delivery. Thus the net cost for the consumer amounts to Rs.593/- (Rs.1028 less Rs.435/-). Hence consumer is ultimately being fleeced for Rs.146/- (Rs.593/- less Rs.447/-). Does it not amount to discrimination between consumers who have disclosed their bank accounts and those who have not. It is not clear as to under what head the extra amount is collected and who – the central govt. or the state govt. pockets the extra amount. It may also be noted that there is no notifications published by govt. periodically (say month beginning) about the applicable price for general information of the common people. Further there is no MRP mentioned on the gas cylinders – is it not a violation of govt’s own rule for ensuring consumer protection.

1.The extra charge should be withdrawn 2. Every month notification should be issued for information of general public about prevailing price of LPG 3. The MRP should be mentioned on the LPG cylinders 4. The state Govt. or Central Govt. shouls not collect unintended tax on the full price of LPG in comparison to existing system of subsidized cylinders

Complainant Information
name- DILIP GHOSE