The PDS retailers in urban and rural areas of Jharsuguda district are openly cheating consumers for years. The Supply Department is silent in the matter in spite of several complaints against the retailers.
While the Government rate of kerosene oil in the district has been fixed between Rs14.18 and Rs15.69 per litre, the retailers are charging Rs 3 more.
Supply Department sources said 3, 93, 563 litre of kerosene is supplied for 1, 02, 279 families in the district per month.
In the Brajrajnagar and Belpahar urban areas, consumers are forced to pay Rs3 more while they are paying Rs4 in case of Kolabira, Kirmira, laikera and lakhanpur blocks.
On inquiry, the retailers “explained” that the excess amount is collected to meet the expense of Supply Department officers. District Civil Supply Officer PDM Khosla said necessary action would be taken against the erring officials after proper inquiry.