Jose Philip assures action on black-marketing of kerosene

PANJIM, JULY 26
The Minister for Civil Supply and Consumer Affairs Jose Philip D’Souza told the House black-marketing of kerosene will be investigated into and, necessary action will be taken as Opposition members cornered him on the issue.
The question came to fore during “Question Hour” on Monday when Mandren MLA, Laxmikant Parsekar questioned why there is high concentration of kerosene vendors in Mormugao taluka. Of the total 715 vendors operating in the State, 315 alone are in Salcete, he said.
Other talukas such as Pernem , Canacona and even Bardez has a fewer vendors but 45 per cent of the vendors are in Salcete.
The Civil Supplies Minister said, vendors cater to floating population but Mandrekar countered whether 45 per cent of the floating population reside in Salcete?
Supported by the Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrokar he said, kerosene supplied to vendors by the department is either sold in the open market at Rs 30 per litre or it is diverted for adulteration.
Parrikar asked the minister to explain how a vendor earning 60 paise per litre on his quota of 180 liters a month, will able to survive? Furthermore, he said, hawkers do not have weights certified from legal metrology.
D’Souza said the department had conducted a survey and twenty-seven licences were cancelled whereas thirty are under investigation. And, if the Opposition wants, re-survey will be conducted however Parrikar reiterated that they want to know what action he would take to stop black marketing of kerosene in the State.
The Opposition retreated when finally the minister said he will order enquiry and take necessary action.