(a) whether in certain rural areas, the LPG consumers have to travel around 25 kms. To reach the LPG dealer to secure a refilled LPG cylinder thus facing great inconvenience;
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to redress the consumer`s grievances;
(c) whether the Government propose to set up LPG dealership in every mandal head-quarters in Andhra Pradesh; and
(d) if so, the time schedule to implement the initiative?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTYR OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a) to (d) : Supply of LPG refill to the consumer is made by the distributors in their respective area.
In order to provide better service to LPG consumers and to meet the increased demand, the following criteria are adopted for setting up economically viable LPG distributorships in different parts of the country including small towns and rural areas:
(1) All urban locations with a population o0f 10,000 and above by including potential of adjoining villages falling within the radius of 15 Kms.
(2) urban locations having population of 5,000 and above taking into account the potential of adjoining villages falling with 15 Kms radius.
(3) Cluster of villages within 15Kms radius of nucleus villages having a population of 10,000 and above.
(4) Villages within 15 Kms. Radius around towns having population of 1 lakh and above.
Accordingly, 124 LPG distributorships have been included in the LPG Marketing Plan 1996-98 for Andhra Pradesh. Locations included in the Marketing Plan are advertised by the Oil Companies for selection of distributors through the Dealer SelectionBoards
It generally takes 6-12 months for commissioning of distributorships from the date of interview.