Question : DISTRIBUTION OF LPG CONNECTIONS

(a) whether the Government has allowed the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to deal with distribution of LPG connections to the consumers in the country ;

(b) if so, the details thereof, company and State/UT-wise including West Bengal and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether a number of LPG distributors in the country have resorted to unhealthy competition to lure the customers;

(d) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise including West Bengal along with the reasons therefor; and

(e) the corrective measures being taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

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

(a) & (b) LPG is provided to consumers through a distributor network of Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). The distributors of OMCs are appointed in two categories viz Regular and Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitaraks after a defined process of selection.

State/UT-wise details of consumers as on 01.01.2013 are at Annexure.

(c) to (e) No unhealthy competition for luring the customers in the country, including in the State of West Bengal, has come to the notice of OMCs.