Sambhajinagar citizens fume over inadequate CNG supply

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The residents continue to struggle due to the inadequate supply of CNG despite assurances by the Union minister of state for finance Bhagwat Karad more than a year ago that gas would be available by the end of December last year.Karad had announced the supply while announcing the rollout of the city gas distribution network for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar more than a year ago.Contrary to the claim, the supply of CNG in the city remains inadequate and erratic, resulting in long queues of vehicles in around six outlets located in far-flung areas. Yogesh Dharashivkar, a private professional, said he finally sold his CNG-run car after endlessly waiting for a smooth supply. “The promise of CNG supply turned out to be a mirage. It is unfortunate that many other smaller cities across the country are getting CNG in an ample manner, yet we are waiting for it for years,” he said. Fayyaz Ghulam, a CNG conversion kit dealer, said he is struggling to find customers. “The demand for CNG kits has dropped drastically despite a considerable drop in prices. The erratic supply of the fuel is the only reason for people shying from the cheaper and cleaner fuel,” he said.A fuel retailer, on condition of anonymity, said the city lacks visionary leadership. “While the city is struggling for water, talking about CNG and PNG is a luxury in the existing context. The more disturbing thing is that citizens are suffering silently and not seeking answers from public leaders, he said. One of the public sector undertaking companies in March last year announced winning the geographical area of Aurangabad and Ahmednagar during the 9th round of bidding of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), promising 100 CNG outlets over a period of five years, among other benefits. While the authorities blamed the Covid for the delay in the work, the improved situation has failed to give the desired impetus to the project.Karad could not be reached for his comments.