No monopoly, free PNG for competition: Gurgaon residents

Residents of Gurgaon's Sector 21, 22, 23 and Palam Vihar areas are upset with the state government over, what they call as, its undue favour to the Haryana City Gas (HCG) at their cost.  They allege the company is trying to create its monopoly in the area in connivance with the government.

The HCG supplies piped natural gas (PNG) for domestic use in the area. However, the PNG supplied by the HCG comes at rates much higher than those offered by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL). Yet, the company enjoys the patronage from the government for reasons best known to it.

Peeved by the sense of being cheated, the residents want to switch to the IGL for PNG supply at the earliest. The company is already supplying PNG to hotels and the Maruti plant, which are located close these residential sectors.

Sumit Taneja, a resident, holds the state government squarely responsible for entrusting the HCG with the supply of entire locality without considering the interest of the consumer. “In the absence of a competitor, it is advantage HCG. Taking the advantage of the situation, the company fixes rates arbitrarily according to its whims," he told City Spidey.

Echoing similar views, Col Umed Singh, president of Sector 22 RWA, underscored the need to invite other players in the field so that there could be healthy competition.

Pointing out that the IGL has already offered the residents PNG connections for their houses, he said, “We have written to HUDA administrator, MCG commissioner, PWD minister Rao Narbir Singh. But have not got response from any of the three agencies as yet.”

Despite being the best PNG provider in Gurgaon, the government is reluctant to take the services of the IGL. The residents have even made a representation to the Chief Minister Office on May 5, 2015. One year has passed, the CMO is still sitting on their demand.

“When the residents are ready to pay for the connections, why the government is dragging its feet,” wondered col Singh.  

When contacted, Rahul Chopra, managing director of the HCG, asserted that his company is sole PNG domestic connection provider in Gurgaon. IGL is allowed to provide PNG connections only to commercial establishments.