(a) whether the Government are losing crores of rupees every year due to fuel adulteration;
(b) if so, the details and facts thereof;
(c) whether the Government have drawn any comprehensive plan to train the officers of the Regional Anti-Adulteration Cell;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) other steps being taken to check and avert such losses?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS ( SHRIMATI SUMITRA MAHAJAN )
(a) & (b) : No scientific study has been conducted to assess the loss to the economy of the country due to adulteration in diesel, petrol and other energy sources. However, substantial loss is suffered by the economy due to adulteration of diesel, petrol and other petroleum products.
(c) & (d) : The Officers of Anti-Adulteration Cell are being drawn from Departments such as Police, Customs and Central Excise, Income Tax etc. Trained and experienced officers from Oil Marketing Companies are also appointed in the Cell. Also, newly recruited officers are given on the job training under the experienced officers of the Cell. However, Two such training programmes were conducted in the past.
(e) : Besides the setting up of Anti Adulteration Cell, steps such as blue dyeing of Kerosene meant for Public Distribution System (PDS), regular/surprise 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 (OMCs). Action is taken by the OMCs against erring dealers under the provisions of the Marketing Discipline Guidelines and/or Dealership Agreement. The State Governments also initiate action against any dealer indulging in adulteration of petroleum products and violation of any Control Order issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.