Fuel for reform

Over the past few years, gas delivery agencies have become a critical instrument in the central government's efforts to target and streamline subsidies. Now, the agencies appear to be voluntarily transforming themselves into instruments of reform as well. Thus Indane, the agency set up by government-owned Indian Oil Corporation, India's largest refiner, has started sending SMS delivery confirmations to customers with a homily tacked on at the end: "Drive between 45 and 55 kmph to save fuel."