Question : SUPPLY OF LPG CYLINDERS IN CAR NICOBAR

(a) the name of the agency authorized for distribution of LPG cylinders at commercial and domestic rates in Car Nicobar;

(b) the total number of LPG cylinders supplied by the agency for domestic purpose from January, 2013 till date;

(c) the cost of LPG cylinders being issued to the tribals communities in Car Nicobar for domestic purpose;

(d) whether the tribals are procuring LPG cylinders for domestic purpose within the limited numbers of 9 cylinders at a cost of Rs. 1400/- per cylinder; and

(e) if so, the details therof and the action taken by the Government thereon?

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

(a) : Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have reported that they do not have any distributorship in Car Nicobar. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC) has reported that as on 01.11.2013, M/s The Consumers’ Co-operative Stores Ltd., Port Blair is authorized by IOC for distribution of LPG cylinders at commercial and domestic rates in Car Nicobar.

(b) : Further, IOC has reported that 243537 number of 14.2 Kg LPG cylinders (Subsidized & Non- Subsidized) were supplied by IOC to M/s The Consumers’ Co-operative Stores Ltd. During the period 01.01.2013 to 31.10.2013, for distribution to registered customers. Out of this, distributor has supplied 6675 number of cylinders in Car Nicobar island.

(c) to (e) : Retail Selling Price (RSP) of domestic LPG cylinders is same for all the customers in a particular market, irrespective of the community to which the customer belong. The customers have to pay subsidized rate for consumption upto 9 domestic 14.2 Kg. cylinders per year, beyond which non-subsidized rates are charged. Distributors are under instruction to provide printed cash memo indicating the RSP of the cylinder.

Present applicable RSP of 14.2 Kg subsidized and non-subsidized cylinder in Car Nicobar Island , w.e.f. 11.12.2013, is Rs. 437/- & Rs. 1106/- per cylinder, respectively. Market rate of non- subsidized LPG cylinder (14.2 Kg) is notified by the public sector Oil Marketing Companies on monthly basis.

IOC has further reported that during the last 3 year (2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13) and April- October, 2013, no case of overcharging in Car Nicobar Island, by IOC distributor have been established.