Kolkata: TOI on Sunday visited one of the illegal auto refuelling centres at Chowbaga to find numerous domestic LPG cylinders dumped in a corner, even as auto drivers were standing by to replenish their vehicles. “The gas is transferred from domestic cylinders to autos. We charge Rs 79 per kilo,” said Kartick Mondal, who works there. Talking to a few people involved in the trade, the economics became clearer.The LPG they buy at Rs 70 is sold at Rs 79. Since they sell in bulk, the margin of profit is enough to run the entire racket, including carrying cost. Auto-LPG, the legal auto fuel in the city, now costs Rs 53.30 per litre. Converting to kilogrammes, 1kg of auto-LPG costs Rs 85.2.
Making this even more profitable for the auto drivers, this ‘kata gas’ yields higher mileage. “We refuel from Chowbagha, as it costs less than auto-LPG. We get much higher mileage,” said Subhendu Maity, an auto driver on the Ruby-Kalikapur route.
Automobile expert Prabir Basu, said: “Mileage depends on fuel’s calorific value. The higher the value, the higher would be its mileage. Domestic LPG, thanks to some additives and higher butane content, has more calorific value, which is valuable to end user in short term. But long-term use can cause irreversible damage to engine.” ‘Kata-gas’ contains heavier hydrocarbons which are more polluting, said activist Somendra Mohan Ghosh.
Making this even more profitable for the auto drivers, this ‘kata gas’ yields higher mileage. “We refuel from Chowbagha, as it costs less than auto-LPG. We get much higher mileage,” said Subhendu Maity, an auto driver on the Ruby-Kalikapur route.
Automobile expert Prabir Basu, said: “Mileage depends on fuel’s calorific value. The higher the value, the higher would be its mileage. Domestic LPG, thanks to some additives and higher butane content, has more calorific value, which is valuable to end user in short term. But long-term use can cause irreversible damage to engine.” ‘Kata-gas’ contains heavier hydrocarbons which are more polluting, said activist Somendra Mohan Ghosh.