21 January,2010 09:14 AM IST | | Vivek Sabnis
Upset with new resolution that doesn't allow a household to have more than one LPG connection
The Gas Control Order that was amended to the original Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Demand), 2000, order three months ago will come into effect soon. Rohini Nibandhe (40), a housewife from Sadashiv Peth is upset, as she will have to surrender her second gas connection. "How do I manage with a single connection? I have already invested in a gas geyser," she said.
As per the new amendment, domestic gas can only be used for cooking. "The government has declared that Pune is to be a kerosene-free city. How will that happen with such restrictions?" said Rajashree Joshi, a housewife from Kasba Peth, who has seven family members and two connections. "People will have to use a commercial gas cylinder, which is four times costlier, for water heating now," said Shyam Deshpande, Shivsena corporator PMC, who agitated against the new law outside the Bharat Petroleum office last week.
Just one
Anil Gupta, Territory Manager, Bharat Petroleum, however, told this reporter that every family is entitled to keep only one connection for domestic use.
According to Vijay Bhave, President, All India LPG Distribution Federation (Maharashtra), "A commercial cylinder costs Rs 1,116, compared with the domestic cylinder, which is Rs 310 for 14.5 kg. It is difficult for gas dealers as well as 4.5 crore gas consumers in the state to implement the new rule."
