Lok Sabha Question No. 5886 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-04-10
Subject: Delay in Transfer of LPG Subsidy
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: ABHISHEK SINGH, RAM CHARITRA

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5886 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 th  APRIL 2017 DELAY IN TRANSFER OF LPG SUBSIDY

5886.  SHRI ABHISHEK SINGH: SHRI RAM CHARITRA NISHAD: पेट्रोल ियम एवं प्राक ृ तिक गैस मंत्री Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state : (a)  whether  there  is  significant  delay  in  transfer  of  LPG  subsidy  to  the  account  of beneficiaries and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; (b)  the  details  of  minimum  and  maximum  time  fixed  by  the  Government/  Oil Marketing Companies under Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG subsidy to the account of LPG consumers; (c) the details of complaints received by the Government during the last two years and the current year along with the steps taken to bring down such complaints in a time bound manner, State/UT/ OMC-wise; (d)  whether  the  OMCs  have  surplus  stock  of  LPG  due  to  curbs  imposed  by  the Government with regard to sale of LPG cylinders in the country; and (e)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the Government to liquidate the surplus stock to facilitate the consumers in the country? ANSWER पेट्रोल ियम एवं प्राक ृ तिक गैस मंत्रािय में राज्य मंत्री (स्विंत्र प्रभार) (श्री धमेन्द्र प्रधान) MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN) (a)  to  (c)  LPG  consumers,  who  join  the  PAHAL  scheme,  get  the  LPG  cylinders  at non-subsidised price and receive LPG subsidy (as per their entitlement) directly into their registered bank accounts within 48 hours of purchase of refill. However, due to involvement  of  several  stake  holders  (like  LPG  distributors,  NPCI  &  banks)  in subsidy  transfer  process  and  depending  on  their  internal  processes,  minor  delays can happen. From inception of the scheme as on 03.04.2017, out of 236.15 crore transactions involving transfer of subsidy, 234.41 crore transactions were successful which shows that 99.26 % of the entire transactions were successful. The reason for the failure of transactions is mainly due to the mismatch of the bank account mapped with Aadhaar, incorrect Bank Account number submitted by the consumer etc. As and when such grievances are received, remedial measures are taken by Public  Sector  Oil  Marketing  Companies  (OMCs)  in  the  form  of  updating  correct information in consultation with the concerned stakeholder. In order to have a more convenient, easy and effective way to enable the customer to lodge their complaints, unique  Toll  Free  Number  18002333555  is  in  operation  for  complaint  registration through call centers on industry basis. Customer can also register their grievances online by visiting websites of OMCs.

(d) & (e) Assessment of requirement of LPG (domestic/commercial) in the country is made by the OMCs on the basis of growing LPG consumer base in the country. As indigenous production of LPG is less than the demand, OMCs prepare plan to import the  LPG  requirement  on  annual  basis.  The  projected  demand  is  monitored  on  a regular  basis  and  necessary  changes  in  the  projections  are  made  based  on  the prevailing sales trend, change in policies or any other factor which may influence the demand. OMCs take action to meet any fluctuation in demand of LPG due to such factors.

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