The Consumer Guidance Society will accept complaints from users of Mahanagar Gas Limited till August 31 to take up their grievances with the utility company. The move follows allegations by MGL customers that they were being fleeced by technicians in the name of repairs and that their complaints to the company had fallen on deaf ears. As part of its "MGL Complaint Period", individuals can approach the consumer body on 1800 222262 or mah.helpline@gmail.com or visit their centres at Mahim/CST. People getting a new connection must get their existing stoves inspected by MGL staffers to "check for their suitability" for the use of piped natural gas (PNG). However, customers say, technicians charge anywhere between Rs 400 to Rs 4,000 claiming that the stove has defects that need to be fixed on the spot. The malpractice was exposed when MGL sent letters asking customers not to pay cash on the spot and that any incurred expenses would be added to their bills. CGSI secretary Dr MS Kamath said, "I was not given a proper answer. They just said that MGL was looking into it." Kamath said he asked MGL to refund the customers who were cheated. "If you are not able to reach to the consumers, give the responsibility to us and we will help you refund the cheated consumers," said Kamath. If MGL fails to response to CGSI, Kamath said, they will take up the matter with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and demand strict action.

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