(a) whether a large number of motor vehicles have cease and their engines damaged due to adulteration of petrol being supplied by oil companies to petrol pumps in the Capital Region Districts;
(b) if so, action taken against those responsible for supplying adulterated petrol there; and
(c) the steps taken to ensure supply of right quality of petrol to the filling station in Faridabad and other NCR Districts to safeguard the interest of auto/car owners?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS ( SHRIMATI SUMITRA MAHAJAN )
(a) : Yes, Sir. Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Delhi brought to the notice of the Government the premature failure of engines due to poor quality of petrol in April, 2003. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (R&D Division), Faridabad examined the matter and reported that some cholrinated solvent is being used as an adulterant in some areas, particularly in Faridabad for adulteration of motor gasoline. Such chlorine containing compounds have resulted in abnormal corrosive wear on car engines.
(b) : Anti-Adulteration Cell have checked 11 retail outlets in the Capital Region Districts (other than Delhi city) during the past 6 months out of which samples of 4 retails outlets have failed to meet the specifications. Action has been recommended against such retail outlets. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have also taken action during April to June, 2003 and 329 sample of MS & 178 samples of Diesel were drawn from the various Retail Outlets of NCT Delhi and 72 MS samples and 48 Diesel samples from NCR Haryana to check the quality of product.
(c) : The following steps have been taken by the OMCs to ensure supply of right quality of petrol through Retail Outlets in Faridabad and other NCR Districts :-
(i) Regular inspections by Field Officer.
(ii) Filter Papers are provided at Retail Outlets to carry out filter paper test for adulteration of petrol.
(iii) Density check for petrol and diesel through Hydrometer and Thermometer.
(iv) Mobile Labs are conducting surprise checks at regular interval.
(v) Regular samples on random basis from Retail Outlets are drawn & tested.
(vi) Locking system has been introduced in Tank Trucks carrying supplies of MS/HSD to Retail Outlets to NCR area in order to prevent en-route adulteration.
(vii) Customer Right Board is displayed at prominent place at the Retail Outlets to create customer awareness for carrying out Quality and Quantity Checks at Retail Outlets.
(viii) Suggestion & Complaint books/box provided at Retail Outlets.