Mohd Irfan
In a shocking revelation, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs in the Union Territory (UT) of Srinagar has seized several underweight Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, raising concerns about the malpractices employed by LPG distributors during the refilling process. This incident has brought to light the urgent need for customers to be vigilant and weigh their cylinders before accepting delivery.
LPG, an essential commodity used in every kitchen, is regulated by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs. The department is duty-bound to ensure that all LPG distributors adhere to the norms while refilling gas cylinders. However, the recent seizure of underweight cylinders in Srinagar has raised questions about the effectiveness of these regulations and the awareness of consumers regarding their rights.
Domestic LPG cylinders are supposed to weigh 14.2 kilograms, while commercial cylinders weigh 19 kilograms. However, many consumers are unaware that they should verify the weight before purchasing. This lack of awareness makes them vulnerable to deception by unscrupulous distributors.
The responsibility of ensuring that consumers receive cylinders of the sanctioned weight lies with the Department of Food, Civil Supplies. Specifically, the Legal Metrology Department (LMD) is entrusted with enforcing standard units of the metric system to maintain uniformity, accuracy, and traceability in weighing and measuring instruments used in trade and commerce. The LMD is also tasked with safeguarding consumer interests by ensuring mandatory declarations on packaged commodities.
When contacted, the Controller of the Legal Metrology Department, JK Majid Khalil Drabu, was unavailable for comments as he is on election observer duty outside the UT. However, Assistant Controller Jammu, Jaideep Singh Sambyal, directed our queries to Sales Officer Kewal Krishan, who has access to computerized data on the matter.
Sales Officer Kewal Krishan stated that consumers can lodge complaints via email at [email protected] or [email protected],. He assured prompt action upon receiving grievance details. When questioned about the lack of weighing machines during home delivery, Krishan acknowledged that it is mandatory for delivery personnel to weigh cylinders before handing them over to consumers. If this rule is violated, consumers can complain to the oil marketing company’s sales officer, which may lead to the termination of the distributor’s license.
Krishan explained that the LMD’s primary duties involve weighing and measuring, including sample testing of LPG cylinders. He referenced the department’s slogan, “Jago Grahak, Jago” (Wake up, Consumer), emphasizing consumer awareness. However, when asked about mandatory home delivery, Krishan directed consumers to contact the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like IOCL and HPCL, stating that LMD has no jurisdiction over home delivery matters.
An interesting revelation came when Krishan mentioned that many LPG outlets are owned by the same individuals who own petrol pumps, hinting at potential conflicts of interest.
Consumers have also complained about not receiving payment receipts from LPG distributors. When questioned, distributors claim that writing the price and date on LPG booklets suffices, a practice that may not align with consumer protection laws.
This incident underscores the need for increased vigilance by both consumers and regulatory bodies. Consumers are advised to weigh their LPG cylinders before purchase and report any discrepancies. The onus is also on the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and the Legal Metrology Department to enforce regulations stringently and raise consumer awareness to prevent exploitation.
As this essential commodity touches every household, it is crucial that all stakeholders work together to ensure fair practices in the LPG distribution system. The seizure of underweight cylinders in Srinagar should serve as a wake-up call for consumers across the country.
