LETTER TO THE EDITOR FOR THE ISSUE DATED MARCH 21, 2026

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR FOR THE ISSUE DATED MARCH 21, 2026

Letters To The Editor, Mar 21- Mar 27, 2026 March 19, 2026 , by Goan Observer Team

REVOKE GAS AGENCY LICENCES!
IN case public is experiencing issues with domestic gas agencies or stockists involved in black marketing, hoarding, or overcharging, they can take direct action through official channels to report them.
Authorities have recently been urged to intervene all over the country, where about shortages and black marketing likely to be reported. As part of vigilance government it must place its active supervisor in all suspicious gas go-downs.
In order to initiate an investigation that could lead to the cancellation of an agency’s license, public should report the malpractice to relevant authorities.
LPG emergency and Complaint Helplines should be used for complaints regarding delivery, delays, overcharging, or black marketing.
Domestic LPG supply is monitored by the Food Department under the State government. Public can file a formal complaint with the District Collector or the District Food Officer, and must contact the specific company directly to report their dealer’s illegal activities such the Indian Oil app or their official portal, the BPCL website or app, the HP gas portal.
Selling domestic cylinders for commercial use or at inflated prices (eg Rs1,500-Rs3,000 instead of the regulated price) should be exposed by the people. Dealers claiming “no stock” despite confirmed bookings to divert cylinders to the black market should come to light to face legal action.
Making payments through official apps or portals prevents delivery staff from demanding extra cash. But this is not possible for every consumer. Consumers must maintain records of booking recordings, or messages as evidence of complaints. If any agency is found unreliable, the public can request a distributor transfer to a more reputable one in the area through your OMC’s website or app.
—Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora, Goa

**GIVE TO GAIN!** THE Women’s Wing of the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in association with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), celebrated International Women’s Day on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Institute Menezes Braganza Hall in capital city Panjim. The theme of the program was “Give to Gain: Celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer.” GCCI Women’s Wing Chairperson Sandra Fernandes gave the welcome address, followed by an address by GCCI President Pratima G Dhond. A ceremonial lamp was lit by the dignitaries on the dais and there was unique presentation featuring different types of seeds which were placed in pots – to signify the role of women farmers in agriculture. Other highlights included a fireside conversation between Pallavi Salgaocar (mentor) and a panel comprising of Deepali Naik (project director, DRDA), Dr Gauri Shirodkar and Laxmi Saraf. The chief guest was Radha Timblo who is chairperson of the Satish Timblo Group of Companies. Four outstanding agri and foodpreneurs were felicitated, namely Bebinanda Chodankar (food products), Veeam Braganza (homegrown Goan dairy manufacturing unit), Tiz Lyngdoh Martins (hospitality industry), and Vandana Vithal Gaonkar (rural entrepreneurship). Rajashri Wangnekar (AGM, NABARD Goa RO) also addressed the gathering and in fun activities spot prizes were given out during the program, token gifts of remembrance were distributed to all. Amongst the women present were Gouri Joshi, Lavanya Shet, Swatee Rane, Clare de Souza and members of the GCCI Women’s Wing Committee. It was a very well attended program with Adv Poonam Ajgaonkar proposing the vote of thanks, Adv Adbrona Valadares compering and co-ordination by Melane Rodrigues.

UNDERSTAND GAS WOES!
EVERYONE thinks the Strait of Hormuz is about oil. It’s not. It’s about everything you need to survive. The strait has been closed for 8 days. People see oil prices and panic. They have no idea what’s actually at stake. Let that sink in.
90% of the world’s sulfur comes from refining oil and gas.
Sulfur – sulfuric acid – the single most produced chemical on earth.
Sulfuric acid is how we extract copper.
Sulfuric acid is how we extract cobalt.
No sulfuric acid = no transformers, no EV batteries, no data center substrates.
One chemical. One feedstock. One chokepoint. All shut down.
But it gets worse.
Qatar ships 30% of Taiwan’s liquefied natural gas through Hormuz.
Taiwan has 11 days of reserves left.
TSMC – the company that makes 90% of the world’s advanced chips – uses 8.9% of the world’s advanced chips – uses 8.9% of Taiwan’s total electricity.
No gas – no power – no chips – no phones, no AI, no military hardware.
Still think this is just about gas prices?
33% of the world’s nitrogen fertilizer feed stock moves through the Strait.
Half of all humans live today exist because synthetic nitrogen.
No nitrogen = no fertilizer = no food = famine.
They’re showing you oil price charts and stock market futures. They’re not showing you that three civilization-critical supply chains run through a 21 nautical mile chokepoint that has been shut for 8 days.
Oil – sulfur – copper—cobalt – every battery and chip on earth
Gas – power –TSMC – 90% of advanced semiconductors
Fertilizer feedstock – nitrogen – food for 4 billion people.
This isn’t an oil crisis. This is a civilization crisis hiding behind oil price.
Iran doesn’t need missiles. Iran doesn’t need drones. Iran just needs to keep that Strait closed – and the modern world starts unraveling within weeks.
11 days. That’s how long Taiwan has before the lights go out at TSMC.
Prepare accordingly.
— Anonymous, Goa

POVERTY CERTIFICATES, PLEASE!
INSTEAD of relying only on caste certificates, many people believe there should be poverty certificates that focus on real economic hardship.
From this point of view, reservations and welfare benefits should be guided mainly by financial need, not by caste alone. Poverty exists across all sections of society, and support should reach those who genuinely need help, regardless of their community or background.
Supporters of this approach argue that an economy-based system could make social policies more balanced, fair and inclusive, ensuring that assistance is directed toward the most disadvantaged.
The idea continues to fuel an important debate on equality, opportunity, and how social justice can be achieved in a diverse society.
— Vladimir De Monte Furtado, Panjim, Goa