With early onset of winter this year miseries of people have increased manifolds. Kashmir Valley is facing unscheduled power cuts, shortage of LPG cylinders and Kerosene oil. Essential commodities disappearing from the market ahead of snowfall indicate that winter is going to be tough.
Central Government limiting the number of subsidized cylinders has wreaked havoc to the LPG distribution in the Valley.  Oil companies not making the non subsidized cylinders available in the open market has added to the woes. This tactic of the oil companies has encouraged the black-marketers and they are making hay while sun is shining. Poor people are seen pleading before the distributors to provide them with a cylinder at whatever price they wish. The approach of the government vis-à-vis distribution of non subsidized LPG cylinders and limited number of dealers has proved that rulers are least bothered about the ruled . Recently  Group of Ministers called on the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh with the request to increase the cap on LPG cylinders in the state. He told them that matter would be looked into and with that the chapter was closed. At least the Government needs to focus on making the non subsidized gas cylinders available in the open market so that prices of these cylinders are controlled. Mere assurances and statements are not going to help anyone’s cause. Government’s inability to act has triggered massive resentment among the people as they have been left to fend for themselves.
Power cuts, which government claims are inevitable in winter, too have added to the miseries of a common man. Despite Jammu and Kashmir having enough potential to produce electricity it faces pesky power cuts. The Power Development Department every year blames consumers for the power shortage. Whenever winter approaches stories about power theft flood our newspapers. The theory of supply and demand is repeated and people are reminded of the transmission and distribution losses and much more. Somehow people are made to understand that limited power at a low voltage would be supplied to them and they should not crib about it.
Temperatures in the Valley are declining with each passing day and people would have to find ways and means to beat the cold. With LPG cylinders disappearing from the market, the LPG heaters would become insignificant. Electrical heating appliances can’t run on low voltage. Heating gadgets which run on Kerosene oil too have lost relevance due to shortage of the Kerosene oil. One wonders how people would keep themselves warm in harsh winters.
People in power need not allow the fuel issue to become as big as Kashmir issue as it can bring people out on streets. Oil companies cannot act like East India Company and need to change their colonial mindset. If non subsidized cylinders are easily available in all the states why is not possible to make these available here.

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Lastupdate on : Tue, 6 Nov 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 6 Nov 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 7 Nov 2012 00:00:00 IST