Lok Sabha Question No. 4800 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-03-31
Subject: Allocation of Petrol Pumps and Gas Agencies
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Bhagirath Chaudhary

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4800 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31 st  MARCH, 2022

## Allocation of Petrol Pumps and Gas Agencies

## †4800. SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY:

पेोलयम एवं ाक ृतक गैस मंी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

- (a)    the  details  of  the  criteria  for  allotment  of  petrol  pumps  and  gas  agencies  in  the country and the process of the said allotment;
- (b) whether any reservation or special concessions are also being provided in the said allotment and if so, the details thereof, category-wise;
- (c) whether any team or agency has been deputed for the inspection of the said petrol pumps and agencies in Rajasthan and if so, the details thereof;
- (d)  whether  any  inspection  team/agency  has  conducted any  inspection/enquiry  of  the said petrol pumps and gas agencies;
- (e) if so, the details and the dates of inspection along with the irregularities found during the inspection during the last two years; and
- (f)  whether it is a fact that difference in quantity and quality was found at some petrol pumps and gas agencies and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

पेोलयम और ाक ृतक गैस मंालय म राय मंी ( ी रामेवर तेल )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)

(a)&(b)    Oil  Marketing  Companies  (OMCs)  have  implemented  new  'Dealership Selection Guidelines' for Retail Outlets w.e.f. 24.11.2018 and 'Unified Guidelines for Selection of LPG Distributorships' w.e.f. 23.6.2016 which inter alia has features such as more friendly online application, computerized draw of lots/bid opening and well defined grievance redressal system etc.

Both  these  guidelines  inter-alia,  have  a  provision  of  22.5%  reservation  for SCs/STs and 27% reservation for OBCs in allotment of retail outlet dealerships and LPG Distributorships. Within  SC/ST,  OBC & Open categories, there is reservation also for Defence personnel, Para Military Personnel/Central/State Govt. and Central/State PSU employees, Physically Handicapped Persons, Outstanding Sports Persons and Freedom Fighters.

The criteria for allotment of RO/LPG agency inter-alia include identification of location  (Rural/Regular),  an  eligibility  criteria  for  Age,  provision  of  reservation  etc. Criteria/Norms/Reservation  Policy  for  allotment  of  Retail  Outlet  Dealerships  is available on the respective websites of the Public Sector (OMCs) i.e.  www.iocl.com, www.bharatpetroleum.com & www.hindustanpetroleum.com. The detailed guidelines namely 'Unified Guidelines for Selection  of LPG Distributorships'  are  available  on the website www.lpgvitarakchayan.in.

(c)  to  (f)      Regular/Surprise  inspections  are  carried  out  by  Public  Sector  OMCs periodically  at  the  retail  outlets  and  LPG  distributorships  throughout  the  country including  Rajasthan  to  check  irregularities/malpractices.  These  inspections  have been carried out on different dates over the past two years & current year.

Public Sector OMCs had carried out 34,798 inspections at ROs in the State of Rajasthan during last two years & current year (2019-20, 2020-21 & Apr-Dec`21) out of which there are 2079 cases of established irregularities which includes discrepancy in stock and product adulteration.

Public Sector OMCs had carried out 6740 inspections at LPG Distributorships in the State of Rajasthan during last two years & current year (2019-20, 2020-21 & Apr-Dec`21) out of which there are 408 cases of established irregularities.

In all such cases, action is taken as per the Marketing Disciplinary Guidelines and the Dealership/Distributorship Agreement.

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