Finally some help for common man

With the rise in LPG cylinders rates, Piped Natural Gas has become a money saver option

At a time when Delhi is reeling under unbridled inflation, adding insult to injury is a diktat by the government, limiting the number of subsidised cylinders to six per family/ per annum. This has been subsequently remodified to raise the number of cylinders to nine for BPL families but where does that leave the middle class?

On its part, the government is attempting to ease the issue, by bringing in Piped Natural Gas (PNG) in phases all over Delhi. The PNG, in places where it has been introduced comes at a lesser price and has become a hit amongst households. Under the plan each house is fitted with a metre and based on utilisation, monthly bills issued. The gas is available at Rs 22 per kilo.

Housewife Ruma Ghosh, residing in Vasundhara Enclave, feels that PNG has proved to be a boon. “I am so relaxed. It has been over a year now that we got it done. Given the soaring prices of LPG cylinders in recent times, this is till date the best decision I have taken.”

A new connection costs Rs 6000 (with Rs 5000 deposited as security and 1000 installation charges). Shubhojit Das, who also resides in Vasundhara is also happy at the switch the family has made. “On an average we get a bill of Rs 300 a month. We are charged as per our usage. It works out much cheaper than the cylinders. It also takes away the hassle of booking for LPG and often we don’t get them on time. This is way helpful for us.”

Issues with delivery, are not the only ones that consumers mention when it comes to a compare-and-contrast of the two mediums. Less weight and leakage of cylinders were other major headaches. “I am tension free now. Paying the bill is also not an issue as there is a drop box available nearby. In an emergency situation, one can always depend on the PNG, unlike earlier where we ran to the neighbours to get a refill. Overall, it is a welcome change, I feel,” says Mohan Kumar, a resident of Shalimar Garden.

But the PNG is still awaited in several parts of the City. Vijay Das, who resides in CR Park, is eagerly waiting for PNG to come to his area. “Officials are working on it and once it is done I am definitely installing it at home. Who will buy cylinders worth Rs 750 now?”