The state government on Sunday said it has raised the issue of multi-fold price hike and conservative rationing of cooking gas with the Centre.
“The issue of LPG distribution has already been taken up with the Centre. The government is keen to find out a workable mechanism, so that the people do not face any inconvenience,” said minister for rural development, panchayati raj Mohammad Sagar.
The minister said chief minister Omar Abdullah passed the directions to the consumer affairs and public distribution (CAPD) to ensure that a proper mechanism is worked out for a hassles free LPG service.
Kashmir is witnessing protests from consumers following multi-fold price rise in cooking gas. The government’s move to ask for fresh registration has further compounded the problems of people. A sudden acute shortage of cooking gas has triggered protests in Srinagar.
“The ministry concerned has already taken up the issue with the Centre and hopefully headway is expected in near future,” said Sagar.
The government, according to new rules, will issue only six subsidised cylinders to consumers and the price for seventh cylinder has been put around Rs. 1,000, a sudden jump from Rs. 410 just a month ago. The cylinders will be issued to only registered consumers.