Question : DEVICE TO PREVENT PILFERAGE OF LPG

(a) whether the Government is considering to put any special device or Radio Frequency Identification computer chips on domestic LPG cylinders to prevent pilferage;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the present status thereof;

(c) whether the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) will be asked to bear the expenses of Radio Frequency Identification computer chips instead of consumers;

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the extent to which the proposed device will be helpful in checking the diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial or auto LPG use?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SMT PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)

a) to (e) : No, Madam. However, a pilot project for introducing Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID), which helps in tracking the LPG cylinder was launched in April, 2008 at Nashik but it was not found to be cost effective. It has instead been decided that systematic corrections to check pilferage of LPG may be carried out on a continuous basis.