[Resolved]  HP Cooking Gas — Monopoly in distribution of HP cooking gas.

To
The Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

Sub: Complaint against monopoly in distribution of HP cooking gas. (Distributor code: - 960290)

Sir,

We the gas customers of Phulbani town beg to state this following few lines for your kind consideration and favourable orders.

That, setting up a gas point in any place is to encourage the people to turn their faces from purchasing the firewood and charcoal for their daily need. It indirectly
preserves forest and helps to maintain the environment at balance. The prime intention of this noble step fails to attain its degree in Phulbani due to the monopoly and high handedness of the stockist. Customers are so harassed that new customers have to think ten times before stepping into the gas counter.

Secondly, the worst example of monopoly of the dealer is the distribution of cooking gas. There is provision to deliver this gas cylinder at the door of the customer at the cost ofRs. 362/- but these customers are forced to pay the same at the godown and to lift at their on cost which is unjust and unlawful.

Thirdly, the dealer has opened a number o[censored]nauthorized counters at Khajuripada, Phiringia, Sarangada and Balliguda etc. places. He delivers a major portion of these gases to these unauthorized dealers and creates a man made shortage of cooking gas in Phulbani. The system adopted by this dealer helps him to earn foul money by black marketing the same and gives the customers endless sufferings.

Though there is provision to book cylinder over phone but he turns a deaf ear whenever he gets calls about it. We are so many times informing to Marketing Mana~, Sri AK. Behera but he also no action about it.

The customers are unable to get a gas cylinder after 20 or 25 days of the booking and deposit of money at the counter. Whereas kith and kins of dealers are able to avail instant opportunity provided to them through back door system on the same day of their booking.

New customers are forced to pay Rs. 4000/- for new connection. In the name of computerized registration, this dealer is forcing them to run to this office for months together. The deposited amount utilized in the business bores a fare amount of profit for this dealer at the cost of harassment of the customers.

For a better profit, this domestic connection are changed to commercial ones and
are supplied to the hotels, tea stalls and fast food centers. If it continues for a long (time 'will come) cylinders will be seen in the commercial points only.

To facilitate the customers of Phulbani town in a better way is the high sounding sought of today. It will be fulfilled if the authority concerned applies power to check the monopoly of the dealer or setting up a new counter will do the needful.

Though repeatedly we are complained before the Civil Supply Deptt. but no action has been taken as yet.

Hence, you are requested to consider our case through your kind glasses and do the needful action at your end for which we shall be ever obliged.

Yours faithfully
Pradeep Kumar Patra
Consumer No.-601950
Mob No.-[protected]
Address:- Phulbani(762001), Kandhamal, Orissa.

Copy submitted to Regional Manager, Hindustan Petroleum, Jatni Branch, Orissa
for information and necessary action.
Copy submitted to the Collector, Kandhamal for favour of information. and
necessary action.
Copy to DSP, Vigilance, Phulbani for information and necessary action.
Copy submitted to the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Orissa, Bhubaneswar for favour of
information and necessary action.