Domestic gas to flow to hotels?

KOCHI: The huge hike in the price of commercial gas cylinder may result in domestic cylinders being diverted for commercial purposes.In view of this, the police are planing to intensify the crackdown on agents who supply cylinders in black market.According to the police, even after taking precautionary measures, there are several hotels which rely on domestic cylinder.“Most racketeers supply cylinders meant for domestic use to hotels and other commercial establishments.Some dealers use customers’ cards to purchase cylinders and divert them to the black market.A 14.2-kg cylinder costs Rs 393.50, but is sold for Rs 500 to Rs 1,300.Even then, it is profitable for the hoteliers.The demand for domestic cylinders will certainly increase,” a police official said.“We are planing to keep a close tab on the agents.Black market thrives with the assistance of the agents as only they can leak out cylinders.The police officials and shadow police will be deployed for monitoring the illegal activities.We also want oil companies to check the cylinders diverted to racketeers,” the official added.The Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) official said the company had been conducting frequent raids to curb black-marketeering.“We conduct random checking in houses which frequently refill their allotted cylinders.We have caught such customers in the past and taken action against them.Checking would be intensified in the coming days.If such activities happen, there would be shortage of cylinders in the market.We will seek the permission of the district administration to conduct raids,” a BPCL official said.