Racketeers

They are all emerging from the woodwork to make some money during these challenging and grim times we are going through, especially with the shortage of cooking gas, kerosene, petrol and diesel.  The Profiteers are at it.  Hopefully, they will be as enterprising once the country gets back to normality.

Most profiteers are engaged in the reselling of the aforementioned items at exorbitant prices.  The trishaws do not run anymore.  The trishaw operator queues for a few days, purchases his quota and sells it off immediately and re-joins the queue.  It is the goings on whilst waiting in the queue that is most disheartening.  I was told that many of them while away their time gambling and when it comes to their turn to buy the fuel some have lost all their money to their gambling.  Easy come, easy go.  No cash, drives them to a money lender and the vicious circle is unending and they can never get out of debt.  The thought that there are several people waiting to buy the fuel, which sometimes is sold at four times the price or more, makes it more frightening.  What happens when their cash supply dwindles?

Arguing with a trishaw driver over the fare even before embarking on a journey can exhaust you.  Most have taken to walking and cycling or using public transport.  But there are instances, such as when going out, vehicular transport is a requirement.  Radio Cabs start at Rs. 5000.00, I have been told for a two km ride.  To avoid being stranded and spend hours seated around waiting for affordable transport, which could take more than half a day sometimes, some negotiate a package with the Radio Cab service.  This fee, by no means, is not any cheaper.  The assurance of a vehicle being at hand is the sweet thought that makes your day.  

Many fervently hope that the recently introduced fuel pass system takes off.  Thus, with the ease of travel there will be a wider circulation of money and it make life easier for most people.  

The same goes with the gas cylinders that are going at the crazy price of Rs. 30,000 was the last rumour, I heard. Here again the moneyed can afford to pay these exorbitant prices whilst the majority look on despondently.  If the fuel pass system is a success, a gas purchase system should also follow, making it that much better for all of us.  Let us keep our fingers crossed.