Gas agencies allegedly making black money in Bhimavaram

Bhimavaram: It’s only the ‘tip’ of the iceberg. With Rs 30 tip offered for delivery of LPG cylinder, the gas agencies have been making black money to the tune of several lakhs every month.

While HP gas is being supplied to customers in Bhimavaram, Palakollu and Penumantra, the Indane gas is supplied to customers in Veeravasarammandals. 

However, for the delivery, the agencies have been collecting an additional Rs 30 to Rs 50 towards tip which is contributing for black money. 

For every 500 gas cylinders delivered every day, each agency is earning Rs 15,000 at the rate of Rs 30 additional amount charged per each cylinder. 

This sum accounts for Rs 4.5 lakh every month and Rs 54 lakh every year. At this rate, one can imagine how the corruption of the gas agencies goes unchecked even though government guidelines prevent them from collecting extra. 

In fact, the gas agencies have to supply LPG cylinders free of charge (delivery cost) within 5 km radius of the agency. On the other hand, they are supposed to pay back Rs 20 per cylinder if the consumer personally picks the cylinder from the agency godown.

In spite of these guidelines, the agencies are making money for delivering LPG cylinders to the consumers.