Team Herald
MARGAO: Following protests by locals from Benaulim over the supply of alleged ‘underweight’ LPG cylinders from a supplier based in Salcete, a massive drive was carried out by the Assistant Controller, Legal Metrology, in Benaulim, to check the compliance of the suspect LPG cylinders as per the provision of the Legal Metrology Act 2009. Upon weighing them, the team seized 18 LPG cylinders (13 domestic gas cylinders and 8 commercial cylinders).
Out of the 13 domestic cylinders, ten were rendering short delivery (underweight) to the tune of 3.05kg and three, excess delivery to the tune of 3.02 kg.
Out of the five commercial cylinders seized, four were rendering short delivery to the tune of 1.23 kg and one was found to be 1.1kg overweight, which is in violation of the Legal Metrology Act. “Before buying or taking delivery of an LPG cylinder, all consumers should check them with a verified weighing instrument of 10g accuracy by the Legal Metrology Department, and also to check the verification certificate issued by the department,” said an officer from the team. Based on the concerns raised by the locals, a large team inspected the godown of Salcete Gas Agency located at Betalbatim. The raids were carried out under the guidance of Prasad S Shirodkar, Controller, Legal Metrology.
The department has issued warnings to traders and merchants of all categories to comply strictly to the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act and Rules, failing which, necessary action will be taken.
“Our ‘Jago, Grahak, Jago’ (wake up, consumer) drive will continue until violations of the Legal Metrology Act are eradicated,” he added.
