KOCHI: The Legal Metrology Department has launched a crackdown against distributors of domestic LPG cylinders, in the wake of widespread complaints of manipulation.
It is alleged distribution agencies often short-fill the cylinders meant for domestic consumption, causing loss to consumers.
Recently, residents of Paravoor blocked a vehicle delivering LPG, on suspicion the distributor supplied cylinders carrying lesser quantity of gas than prescribed. It was found several cylinders were short-filled.
“The incident prompted us to initiate a drive against LPG distributors. Inspections conducted at bottling plants revealed various irregularities,” Legal Metrology Department deputy controller Ram Mohan told Express.
An inspection conducted at the IOC bottling plant revealed that cylinders were short-filled at the plant randomly. Some of the cylinders were found to be weighing short by as much as 700 gm. Following the inspection, the Department registered a case under Section-36(2) of the Packaged Commodity Act, and slapped a fine of Rs 7.5 lakh on the company. If the offence is repeated, the Department would initiate prosecution steps against the company.