TNN | Dec 30, 2014, 10.57AM IST
MANGALURU: Deputy commissioner AB Ibrahim said that action including cancellation of dealership will be initiated against distributors if refilled LPG cylinders are not delivered to consumers even after 10 days of booking.
At a grievance meeting on LPG consumers on Monday, the DC said that LPG distributors are bound to supply refilled cylinders to consumers within 48 hours of booking. However, many consumers complained during the meeting that distribution is being delayed for more than 15 days in some areas in the district. Following this, the DC sought officials of oil marketing companies to announce a final deadline for the delivery and the company representatives ensured that the delivery will be made within 10 days at any cost.
Ibrahim said that the district administration will initiate action with regard to delay in delivery of LPG cylinders based on consumers' complaint. "Complain if you do not get cylinders on time. We will take action against the distributors," he added.
The DC said oil marketing companies should hold consumers grievance meetings once in three months.
It was informed that consumers may book for refilled cylinder at any time and there is no time frame between two bookings. It is the responsibility of distributors' men to fix the refilled cylinder safely during delivery. They also should check all other safety aspects in the place where LPG cylinders are kept. The weight of the refilled cylinder should be checked in front of the consumers before delivery.
Residents, who want to get new LPG connection, may submit application forms along with RR number of electricity bill, address proof and other documents by paying Rs 2,600 only. Consumers need not buy stoves and other cooking materials from the distributors compulsorily while obtaining new connections, officials informed.
BPCL regional general manager Dinakar Thonse said that they have taken action against 16 distributors based on the complaints of consumers in the past 18 months. "Consumers may complain using the toll free numbers if distributors breach rules. Action will be taken against such distributors," he added.
Food, civil supplies and consumer affairs department deputy director Sharanabasappa, officials of oil marketing companies, distributors, NGO representatives and consumers took part in the meet.
Aadhaar linking
Only 22% of the consumers in Dakshina Kannada district have linked their Aadhaar card with the bank and distributors to avail subsidy on LPG under the direct benefit transfer (DBT) of the central government, the DC said. Out of 3.5 lakh consumers, only 1,06,134 have linked their Aadhaar card to avail DBT in the district. The district is on 24th place in the state in terms of number of consumers linked Aadhaar card for DBT, he said and requested consumers to link their Aadhaar card within three months to avail subsidy through DBT.
Toll free Number for HPCL and IOCL consumers: 18002333555.