TNN Sep 19, 2013, 03.57AM IST
HYDERABAD: Tough days are ahead for LPG consumers as dozens of delivery boys have gone on an indefinite strike demanding more commission from agencies, affecting delivery of cylinders across the city.
There are roughly 500 delivery boys in the city employed with 450-odd gas agencies. Each of them gets a salary of Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000, but some agencies pay them commission of around Rs 10 per cylinder, instead of monthly salaries. "They used to indulge in hoarding subsidised cylinders and supply them with a margin of at least Rs 150 to Rs 200 before the Aadhaar linked system came into vogue," a gas dealer said. The cylinders were available only for Rs 412, but in case of cancellation of any booking and slow follow-ups by customers, some delivery boys would sell them in the open market keeping a margin of Rs 150 to Rs 200. Now the customers are not ready to take such cylinders as the cylinder cost has gone up to around Rs 1,000 officially.
"On several occasions, I took cylinders from our delivery boy after paying him Rs 600 instead of actual rate of Rs 412. Whenever I needed extra cylinder, I used to do this, now he is not able to supply as there is a cap on subsidy cylinders as well," L Mahalakshmi , a hostel owner said.
But after the Aadhar linked system began to be implemented, gas delivery boys quickly formed a union and are demanding more commission from agencies and tips from customers, an agency official said.
Gas agencies said they get a commission of Rs 35 per cylinder from the oil companies and are not in a position to pay more to delivery boys. "Delivery boys are demanding around 10% commission for each cylinder, which if we comply with will bring down curtains on our business," Ashok Kumar, president of the Gas Dealers' Association, said.
Civil supplies minister D Sridhar Babu said though Aadhaar-based delivery ensures transparency, system-related problems are still on and must be resolved. Gas dealers said they would sort out the problems through discussions. But many customers said they are having a harrowing time as deliveries are getting delayed, with requests being turned down or being asked to wait for weeks.
"I got lucky when the agency asked me to come and pick it up. I drove down and got the cylinders, but many others are suffering. I saw long queues in front of some gas agencies," said R Keshav, a resident of Masab tank area.