People sore over dodgy meters, fuel adulteration

Meeting of oil firms, dealers to be called shortly

Consumers complain that fuel dispensing at almost all petrol outlets is not accurate and there is no mechanism to check the accuracy. File Photo: K. Muralia Kumar

Taking serious note of complaints by the public regarding fuel adulteration and tampering of meters in fuel stations, the Department of Legal Metrology will shortly convene a joint meeting of oil companies and dealers in the city.

Revealing this at an interaction with members of Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) on Tuesday, Shivabasavaiah, Controller of Legal Metrology, said the meeting was to make both the oil companies and dealers understand that both are responsible for justifiable delivery of fuel to people.

Consumers’ concerns

A meeting with fuel station owners was convened recently and they were told about consumers’ concerns. “Most people have complained to us that fuel dispensing at almost all petrol outlets was not accurate and that there was no mechanism to check the accuracy,” Mr. Shivabasavaiah said.

All petrol outlets had to keep a five-litre calibrated can for the public to check the accuracy. “We are doing random checks and if the can is not kept and a board stating that it is available, it is viewed as an offence,” he explained.

Responding to complaints by FKCCI members about overcharging and tampering of meters by autorickshaw drivers, Mr. Shivabasavaiah said a separate task force had been set up for this purpose, which was regularly conducting inspections. “People who are harassed by auto drivers can call the department’s control room on 22253500 to complain.”

Following complaints that LPG dealers were being harassed by officials from the Legal Metrology if the weight of the 14.2 kg cylinder was found to be short of even 50 gm, Mr. Shivabasavaiah said the tolerance limit in case of domestic LPG cylinders was 150 gm. “Our officials will be informed about this.”

Earlier, FKCCI president K. Shiva Shanmugam appealed to the department to simplify laws and create awareness about the new laws. “There are innumerable laws that an ordinary trader finds it difficult to comprehend. Besides, many traders are harassed by the officials even for minor offences,” he added.

Bharath Kumar R. Shah, chairperson of Internal Trade Committee and FKCCI vice-president R. Shivakumar spoke.