Mizoram State Commission Orders LPG Gas Distributors To Follow Guidelines

The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Mizoram bench comprising Dr. Lalthansangi (Interim President), Lalhmingmawia (Member), Sanny Tochhong (Member) and C. Lalrinkima (Member) directed the LPG gas distributors in Mizoram to carry fair trade practice by implementing the LPG Marketing Discipline Guidelines fully and by establishing an online ‘booking and delivery’ system for consumers. The concerns were raised by Mizoram Consumers’ Union, a non-profit voluntary organization which approached the State Commission regarding the poor implementation of the Direct Benefit Transfer-LPG Scheme (“DBTL”) by gas distributors and RGGLV distributors in Mizoram. Brief Facts: Mr Thanglura, on behalf of Mizoram Consumers’ Union (“Complainant”), a non-profit making voluntary organization, filed a case against major gas distributors and the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs of the Government of Mizoram. The concern pertained to the non-compliance with the rules and regulations related to the distribution and supply of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the State. The Complainant requested a refund of excess and undue charges collected from consumers. It also requested the proper implementation of the Direct Benefit Transfer-LPG Scheme (“DBTL”) by gas distributors and RGGLV distributors in Mizoram. The Complainant previously engaged in meetings with several gas distributors by the order of the Office of the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Mizoram (“State Commission”). After conducting multiple meetings, a negotiated settlement was reached between the Complainant and the gas distributors. They agreed to implement the DBTL scheme with specific guidelines for the LPG Marketing Discipline in Aizawl. Additionally, they agreed to issue proper receipts during LPG delivery, conduct pre-delivery checking and weigh if demanded by the consumer. Lastly, an agreement was reached to ensure no forceful selling of gas hot stoves for new LPG connections. However, the Complainant had to approach the State Commission again as the concerned gas distributors failed to properly implement the DBTL scheme and refund undue charges collected from the consumers. Observations by the Commission: The State Commission acknowledged the Complainant’s role in highlighting consumer issues. It observed the long-standing unrestrictive manipulation by LPG distributors in Mizoram and criticized the slow progress and unsatisfactory performance of gas distributors in adhering to guidelines. It also raised concerns about the DBTL system’s verification and the responsibility of the distributors. In light of the aforementioned observations, the State Commission directed all LPG distributors within Mizoram to implement the LPG Marketing Discipline Guidelines fully. I also directed that the distributors must establish a ‘booking and delivery’ system without any delay, where consumers can be allowed to make cylinder bookings online. The Food, Civil Supply and Consumer Affairs Department, Govt. of Mizoram was directed to ensure compliance and closely monitor the consumers’ grievances. All gas distributors of Mizoram C/o Vanbhuangi Gass Agency were also directed to pay Rs. 50,000/- to the Complainant. Case Title: Shri Thanglura vs All Gas Distributors of Mizoram and others Case No.: SCC/1/2015 Advocate for the Appellant: Joseph L. Renthlei Advocate for the Respondent: Lalmalsawmi Click Here To Read/Download The Order

Mizoram State Commission Orders LPG Gas Distributors To Follow Guidelines

Smita Singh

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