Question : LPG AGENCIES AND PETROL PUMPS IN TAMIL NADU

(a): the total number of petrol pumps and LPG dealership/agencies which were approved but not sanctioned or called for interview during the last three years in Tamil Nadu;

(b): the reasons for not allotting petrol pumps/LPG agencies in the said State;

(c): whether a large number of persons registered for LPG connections are awaiting for more than three years in Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu;

(d): if so, the details thereof; and

(e): the time by which the waiting lists are likely to be cleared?

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

(a)&(b): In the State of Tamil Nadu, in addition to the locations pending from previous marketing plans, 59 retail outlet dealerships and 155 LPG distributorships have been included in the RO and LPG Marketing Plan 1996-98. Retail Outlet dealerships and LPG distributorships included in the marketing plan are advertised from time to time by the oil marketing companies for selection of dealers/distributors in a phased manner. Selection process was stayed on account of announcement of general elections and enforcement of Model Code of Conduct. Dealer Selection Boards have since been dissolved. It generally takes about 6-12 months for commissioning of the dealerships/distributorships from the date of interview.

(c)to(e): The waiting list for LPG connections in the district Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, was 22819 as on 1.4.2000. Instructions have been issued to the oil companies to release 1 crore new LPG connections during the year 2000 in order to liquidate the waiting list as on 1.12.1999