(a) whether the LPG cylinders are being misused commercially including in vehicles;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government proposes to formulate any monitoring system so that small
cylinders could not be used commercially; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SMT PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) & (b) The possibility of misuse of subsidized LPG cylinders by some unscrupulous elements
cannot be ruled out due to considerable price difference between domestic and commercial LPG
cylinders.
312 established cases of diversion have been detected by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies
(OMCs) during the period April-December, 2012.
(c) & (d) OMCs have taken the following measures to stop misuse of subsidized LPG cylinders:-
# Different colours/size for domestic and non-domestic LPG cylinders
# Issue of advertisements cautioning the public that use of domestic LPG for non-domestic
use is illegal, dangerous and against national interest.
# Carry out regular surprise inspections at distributors’ premises, conduct refill audits,
conduct surprise checks at customers premises and en-route checking of delivery vehicles.
If LPG distributors are found guilty of any malpractice, punitive action is taken in accordance
with provisions of the Marketing Discipline Guidelines (MDG).