LPG dealers are caught between the oil marketing companies (OMCs) and the state government who are issuing conflicting orders. The gas agencies say OMCs have instructed them not to supply subsidised domestic cylinders to temples, religious institutions, government schools for cooking mid-day meals as also state-run welfare hostels and trusts involved in social service. They are to charge these entities the market price of Rs 750 per 14.2-kg cylinder or Rs 1,900 for a 19.2-kg refill.
On the other hand, the civil supplies department is directing the agencies to supply subsidised LPG to these sections or face action. The OMCs have directed the dealers to charge consumers living in gated communities at commercial rates. Over one lakh consumers living in gated communities in the state will end up paying Rs 750 per cylinder, and not get any subsidised LPG.
However, the agencies have not received written instructions regarding this from the OMCs. The gas agencies have nothing to show the consumers who are demanding proof. “When we stopped supplying subsidised cylinders to government schools and welfare hostels, the Collectors in some districts asked the civil supplies department to book cases against us. We are made to suffer for no fault of ours,” said Mr P. Venkateshwara Rao, president, AP LPG Dealers' Association. Irked by this, the dealers are planning to launch an agitation next week demanding that OMCs clarify on the restrictions, and communicate their instructions to the government as well.