Question : INSTALLATION OF MARKER SYSTEM

(a) whether Marker system is a final check to detect adulteration of petrol/diesel;

(b) if so, whether the Government have approved the installation of marker system;

(c) if so, the initial price of this machine quoted and the price at which it is being purchased;

(d) whether it is being purchased on global tender system or on single enquiry system;

(e) whether President Federation of All India Petroleum Traders had any role to play behind this purchase;

(f) if so, the details of local representatives who are supplying this machine; and
(g) the action taken/proposed to be taken against the officers found responsible for purchasing these machines at higher prices than quoted initially?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS ( SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) : The Marker System is not the final check to detect adulteration of petrol/ diesel. It is one of the quick and effective checks to detect adulteration of fuels.

(b) : Government has directed the oil industry to extend further trials on marker system based on ROHM & HAAS technology on full scale at Delhi and Mumbai to start with.

(c) : For the purpose of conducting the trials, the supplier namely M/s. Rohm & Haas plied marker at a cost of 1 paisa per litre and six digital analyzers out of which three were supplied free of cost and for balance, there is a nominal lease charges. However, for commercial exercise the price of the digital analyzers would be higher. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) also procured a dosing pump at a cost of Rs. 9.5 lakhs.

(d) : The marker system under implementation is of proprietary nature and was selected by the high powered study group. In view of this, the system for introduction for large scale trial is being procured on single enquiry basis.

(e) : No such role has been brought to the notice of the Government, as the purchase is being done by the Oil Marketing Companies as per the laid down procedure of the Companies.

(f) :The digital analyzer along with marker and dosing equipment will be supplied by M/s. Rohm & Haas from their U.K. Office.

(g) : So far machines have not been procured. However, a committee consisting of representatives from all the oil companies is negotiating with M/s. Rohm & Haas for procurement of total marker system. Therefore, the question of action against the concerned does not arise.