Corruption rampant in LPG cylinder supply in Akiveedu

​Akiveedu: Though online system was introduced for distribution of LPG cylinder for domestic consumers, about 25,000 customers of LPG connection have been facing difficulty in getting cooking gas supply within two days of booking in Akiveedu. The customers have been complaining against poor delivery system as corruption entered the supply chain.

For example, HP gas has its dealer in Bhimavaram from where the Akiveedu consumers were getting supply. Delays can be attributed to lack of proper supervision and sale of LPG cylinders for non-domestic purposes to make a fast buck.

A customer alleged that he booked for the LPG online and did not receive his cylinder even after one week. He came to know that his subsidized cylinder was sold to others who direly need LPG for function or party. After waiting for one week, he again booked the cylinder online which was supplied to him.

This way, the supply of cylinders has been diverted for commercial purposes to benefit supplier and non-customer. Since there is huge gap in the price of LPG for domestic and commercial purposes, the domestic gas cylinders were sold like hot cakes. The corruption is causing huge dent to government exchequer as it is spending more on domestic supply of gas.

When the consumer approached the dealer, he blamed it on the delivery boys. The staff in dealer’s office is telling consumers to settle the issue by talking to delivery boys. Even a layman can understand who will be the beneficiaries in the diversion of domestic cylinders. The delivery boys cannot do such corrupt practices without the knowledge of agency. However, the delivery boys only demand an extra Rs 30 to Rs 50 on each cylinder supplied to domestic consumers.