Hyderabad: Gas agencies are supposed to deliver LPG cylinders free of cost within a 5-km radius of the agency, but consumers are being made to pay a transportation and delivery charge of between Rs 30 and Rs 50.
The bill issued for a domestic cylinder is for Rs 572 but the delivery boys collect Rs 600 from consumers citing transportation and delivery charges. In upmarket areas like Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills and Hitec City, the extra charge is higher, at Rs 50.
“They have stopped giving change to consumers. They simply round off the bill amount to the next higher level. Now, the bill is issued for Rs 572 but they are taking Rs 600. When we ask for the change, they simply reply that the additional amount is for transportation and delivery charges. They argue if we insist that they return the change,” said Mr B. Anil Kumar, a consumer.
Consumers are lodging complaints with the civil supplies department and the oil marketing companies against this forcible collection, but there is no clarity on who should take action and who should be held responsible.
The gas agencies refuse to take responsibility, saying that it’s an issue between delivery boys and consumers.
“From our side, we warn delivery boys against forcible collection and request consumers not to give any extra amount over the billed amount. But, some consumers give tips. There are complaints against forcible collection also. When we enquire with delivery boys, they say it's the tip given by consumers. It’s tough to monitor this every day,” said K. Jagadish, an LPG distributor.
