The Minister of
State (I/C) for Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan informed
the Lok Sabha in a written reply today that State/UT/OMC-wise number of
multiple domestic LPG connections of Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies
(OMCs), blocked & surrendered/cancelled as on 01.03.2015 are at Annexure
I.
The possibility of malpractice/ irregularities in
subsidized domestic LPG cylinders by unscrupulous elements cannot be ruled out
due to the lower retail price of subsidized LPG for domestic use vis a vis the
market price for commercial LPG. OMCs are on vigil to prevent and take action
against black marketing of cylinders.
           OMCs have reported that the filled LPG
cylinders are supplied to customers with proper heat shrinkable preformed PVC
seal. Distributors are under instructions to ensure that Pre- Delivery
Inspection (PDI) is carried out when the deliveries are made to the customers.
           OMCs also carry out surprise inspections at
distributors premises, conduct refill audits, surprise checks at customers
premises, en-route checking of delivery vehicles etc. If LPG distributors are
found guilty of any malpractice, punitive action is taken in accordance with
the provisions of the Marketing Discipline Guidelines (MDG).
           Moreover, various initiatives have
been taken by the Government viz. capping on supply of subsidized cylinders,
de-duplication, a 24x7 LPG service portal www.MyLPG.in, re-launched
Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG consumer (DBTL) scheme called, `PAHAL’, KYC exercise etc. which reduce the misuse and diversion of
subsidized LPG cylinders.
Presently, there is no proposal under consideration to
waive off the security deposit for LPG connection.
           OMCs
have reported that as on date they are collecting a refundable security deposit
for domestic cylinder(s) and regulator @ Rs 1450/- per 14.2 Kg LPG cylinder and
Rs.150/- for pressure regulator (PR) except for North Eastern States where the
deposit rate is Rs. 1150/- and Rs.100/- respectively. With regard to 5 Kg.
domestic LPG cylinder, it is Rs. 350/- per cylinder for whole country and Rs
150/- for PR except North Eastern States where it is Rs 100/-.
As
per the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order,
2000, a parallel marketeer can import and market LPG under the Parallel
Marketing System (PMS) on which no subsidy is payable from Government. As per
the information available with Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell (PPAC),
State/UT-wise number of parallel marketeers are at Annexure II.Â
           The
parallel marketeers, operate subject to fulfillment of the conditions
prescribed in the said LPG Control Order.
As
on 01.03.2015, State-wise details of waiting list for release of new LPG
connection including for the State of Maharashtra is at Annexure III.
Liquidation of the waiting list for new LPG connections is a continuous process
dependent on the fulfilment of formalities by the consumer.