VELLORE: The Pernambut Consumer Welfare Protection Society has urged oil and gas companies to establish a toll-free complaint cell, to address the grievances of consumers.
President of the society T Basheeruddin in a memorandum submitted to the commissioner of Consumer Protection and Civil Supplies S Gopalakrishnan, suggested that the State take necessary steps in this regard. Basheeruddin said, the toll-free complaint facility would help the consumers to voice their grievances. At present the regional offices of the most of the gas companies are operating a compliant facility but it was not toll free.
While highlighting issues confronting the consumers, he pointed out that gas companies supplying domestic LPG refills should ensure that the refills are supplied with the correct weight. If the residence of the consumer was found locked, the gas companies should not cancel the booking of the refill but keep it alive.
Some gas companies were forcing consumers to pay `75 for checking up the gas connection every three months and this practice should be stopped. The gas companies should convene periodical grievance meetings of consumers, he said. The representatives of gas companies must also take part in all grievance meetings convened by consumer department, even at taluk levels.
Basheeruddin noted that all pump stations should install latest digital meters. They should provide free air, toilet and water facilities for consumers. Displays of details of officials for complaints must be put up in petrol stations. Checks for adulteration should be done and action must be taken against those stations that do not have such facilities.
Basheeruddin suggested the State to allow sale of kerosene in open market to put an end to its scarcity. The consumer activist requested the commissioner to include his suggestions in the agenda and for discussion at the forthcoming quarterly meeting of the consumers being convened by the department.