LPG shortage worsens

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The LPG crisis in Kochi has gone from bad to worse as the number of pending advance bookings in the past two months has gone up to almost 70,000, according to unofficial statistics from LPG agencies here. It’s learnt that black markets have also mushroomed in the city.

With the number of pending advance bookings going up in all the agencies, it’s understood that it would take at least another two months to normalize the distribution, even if the agencies get additional cylinders from LPG companies.

LPG cylinder distribution has been irregular in the state and particularly in Kochi since August, mainly because of the Chala mishap, LPG leak at the Udayamperoor plant and the strike called by the LPG tanker drivers.

But the unprecedented cylinder shortage has also paved way for black marketeers who are making the most of the crisis.

It’s learnt that several gas agencies are also hoarding cylinders, adding to consumers’ woes.

However, the district civil supplies office is yet to take a serious step and crack down on the black market trend. Despite having special squads for each taluk in the district to crack down on irregularities in the sale of essential goods, the department has not spotted a single incident of black market sale as yet.

Meanwhile, the Kerala State Tanker Lorry Workers’ Union would begin its indefinite strike from Friday as a mark of protest against the strict measures taken by the police and RTO officials against them.
This is also set to take the LPG crisis in the state to the next level.