Amid instances of consumers being overcharged for LPG cylinder doorstep delivery, the Karnataka government has clarified that gas supply agencies cannot demand extra payment. The state urged the public to report such cases to authorities. K H Muniyappa, the minister for food, civil supplies, consumer affairs and legal metrology, told the legislative council that oil companies have confirmed the retail selling price of LPG already includes delivery charges and there is no provision to levy any additional fee.
Responding to complaints raised by MLC Dr Dhananjay Sarji, the minister said some customers have been forced to pay Rs 50 to Rs 100 extra during delivery, particularly in high-rise apartments. The department has warned that complaints about illegal collection of delivery charges will be acted upon under the Marketing Discipline Guidelines 2022.
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Consumers can lodge complaints by calling 1800 59 91100.
Shortage of petrol and diesel across Karnataka
A new fuel supply concern is emerging in Karnataka, with rural areas facing potential shortages of petrol and diesel. Dealers have raised alarms over halted deliveries from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), despite advance payments being made.
The Akhila Karnataka Federation of Petroleum Traders clarified that key storage terminals in Hassan, Mysuru, and Devanagonthi have sufficient fuel stocks. Yet, rural dealers report that their allocated supplies are not being delivered, leaving many station operators in a difficult position despite having paid in advance.
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Officials and traders suggest that technical glitches or administrative confusion within BPCL could be causing the disruption. The situation is particularly worrying in remote regions where fuel access is already limited. However, this is not the first time Karnataka has faced such a crisis; a similar shortage occurred during the second wave of COVID-19. Traders warn that without immediate corrective measures, the current disruption could escalate and trigger panic among consumers.
Although the shortage is primarily affecting rural areas, there are growing concerns that it may soon spread to the outskirts of Bengaluru, with Anekal and Kolar flagged as particularly vulnerable to fuel supply interruptions.
