Consumers end up surrendering LPG subsidy by mistake

THE HINDU

DEEPA H. RAMAKRISHNAN

A new option in the Integrated Voice Response system that allows consumers to give up their LPG subsidy is causing a lot of problems. Consumers say it is very inconvenient with many saying that they have given up their subsidies by mistake while trying to book refills.

“I usually press 1 for a refill booking but this time it said zero first and so I pressed it only to find that I had given up my subsidy,” said N. Kumar, a senior citizen.

LPG distributors said they were receiving complaints from consumers whose children pressed the number by mistake.

“Those who are not educated or familiar with phones are finding it difficult,” said a distributor.

Sources in the oil industry said that in the State, so far, 32,000 persons had opted out of LPG subsidies and over 672 persons, who reportedly “gave up” their subsidy, have opted in again. “The opting out is lifelong but you can get on to the scheme at any point of time. All you have to do to is go to your distributor and tell them you want the subsidy and they can activate it for you,” said a source.

Learning from TRAI

Consumer activist T. Sadagopan said that earlier, mobile phone companies used to have a similar option to copy dialler tunes.

“An accidental pressing of a button could lead you to have that tune. Then, when objections were raised with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India that one button alone could not be used as confirmation, it was changed and another step was included in the process. Something similar is a must. Also, oil companies could go in for some other number. Refill booking should always be the default option.”

Many have unintentionally given up their subsidy by pressing ‘0’ while booking for refills.

(Courtesy: P.Ramanathan)