(a) whether the Government are aware of the high degree of adulteration in petrol in the North-East, particularly in Manipur
(b) if so, the action taken by the concerned authority against those found guilty;
(c) the existing mechanism to check such menace;
(d) whether regular checking is conducted at the petrol pumps and retail outlets;
(e) if so, whether there was any case of cancellation of retailership in connection with such kind of malpractices; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
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) : No such specific report has been received by the Government.
(b) : Does not arise.
(c) & (d) : Steps such as blue dyeing of PDS Kerosene, periodical inspection of the retail outlets, introduction of tamper proof locking system for tanker-trucks, special vigilance drives, etc. are taken by the Oil Marketing Companies. Action is taken by the Companies against erring dealers under the provisions of the Marketing Discipline Guidelines and/or Dealership Agreement. Also, under the provisions of the `Kerosene (Restriction on Use and Fixation of Ceiling Price) Order, 1993`, Oil Companies and State Governments can initiate action against any dealer indulging in adulteration and also for misusing public distribution kerosene for purposes other than those permitted.
(e) & (f) : There has been no case of cancellation of retailership in connection with malpractices during the past few years. However, Sales and Supplies were suspended at M/s. Brahma Filling Station, Gosaigaon District, Kokrajhar (Assam) from 07.08.2000 for 45 days due to HSD sample failure.