Kerala - Kochi   

‘No rationing of LPG refills’

KOCHI: There is no rationing of LPG refill to customers and the refills are to be delivered within 48 hours, according to Indian Oil Corporation Limited. The information was provided to M.K. Haridas, social activist, under the Right To Information Act recently.

“Gas connections are normally available across the counter now. But at some places, due to shortage of equipment, backlogs are generated,” the company said in the communication. In the case of second cylinder too, it is released across the counter, according to the company.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited also provided a similar reply. New HP gas connections are available on demand in most of the markets. Additional cylinder is also available in most of the markets. “There is no rationing in supply of HP gas refills. However, when demand is in excess of historical or market trend, the same is reviewed to ensure that only genuine requirement is met. No delay is permitted. However, delay for reasons beyond control of the distributor is not punished,” the communication said.

Mr. Haridas, who pursued the issue with the gas companies and the distributors, as an office-bearer of a consumers’ association, pointed out that despite such statements, the companies were not providing adequate number of cylinders. There were hundreds of pending applications for new connections, he said.

He pointed out that several distributors forced the customers to buy stoves from them. This was in violation of the existing rules, he said and quoted the IOC communication. “The gas stoves are sold by LPG distributors and not by oil companies. As per provisions of the distributorship agreement, distributors can be permitted to sell Green Label LPG stoves by oil marketing companies.”

Mr. Haridas said that as per the provisions of the Marketing Discipline Guidelines, action could be initiated against the distributor of forced sale of hot plate by the oil marketing companies.

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