Plaints against illegal use of domestic LPG at auto refuelling units
Times of India | 7 October 2024
Kolkata: An oil, gas and chemicals logistics company has lodged complaints with district administrations and police, alleging nexus between some LPG dealers and illegal auto refueling unit owners. It has been alleged that subsidized domestic LPG cylinders, given to BPL customers under Pradhan Mantri Ujwala scheme, are being supplied to illegal auto refuelling units in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area.
This racket is rampant at Madhyamgram, Canning, Joynagar, Ucchepota, Bhagabanpur near Anandapur PS and a few other areas in North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas. Since these illegal refuelling units are being run in residential areas, residents are also living at high risk. Domestic 14.2 kg cylinders are being illegally sold to fuel autos at garages and godowns. Sources said the LPG from these domestic cylinders is sold at rates lower than those at authorized Auto LPG Dispensing Stations (ALDS). “Notably, these domestic cylinders are subsidized, and this increases the profit margin for the mafia,” said an official. “Any leakage during transfer from cylinders to vehicles could lead to accidents,” said an official of Aegis Logistics Ltd, which lodged the complaint. Cops said concerned authorities had been alerted.