When I was the Sales Officer in HPCL during early 1990's, we had a Cash & Carry System for the Consumers. The Consumers can bring the empty refill to the showroom, and take a full one as against the same being delivered at their home by the delivery boys. We used to give a DISCOUNT to the customer - the discount being equal to the delivery charges incurred normally by the LPG Dealer, which was quite fair.
Now, we have swung to the other extreme. As per the new scheme announced, you can have the LPG Cylinder delilvered at your house on a time of your choice by PAYING AN ADDITIONAL Rs 25-50.
There is an irony to this. The guys really affected by this is the poor delivery boys. Till now, they will deliver the cylinder at a prefered time if requested unofficially by the customer, and will be happy to get an additional tip, which never exceeded Rs 10. Now that source of income is gone. And the customer has to pay more legally to get the same benefit. The only guy laughing all the way to the bank is the LPG Dealer. And the Government has, in the guise of an innovative scheme, is actually facilitating a loot and more harassment by the LPG dealer. Do you want to bet that the LPG dealer will make it a point to supply at the most inconvenient time to all the customers who refuse to pay this additional amount? This is Government initiated loot.
