New Delhi, April 14: The Central Government has prepared draft rules for gas meters under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011. Under this rule, testing, verification and stamping of gas meters will be mandatory before they are used for trade and commerce.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said in a statement issued on Monday that the department has taken an important step towards strengthening consumer protection, promoting fair trade practices and ensuring accurate measurement in the use of gas by preparing draft rules for gas meters under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011.
Under these rules, re-verification of gas meters has also been prescribed to ensure their accuracy when they are in use, so that their accuracy can be ensured when in use.
According to the ministry, the primary objective of these new rules is to ensure accuracy, transparency and reliability in gas measurement. Verified and stamped gas meters will prevent overcharging or undermeasuring, reduce disputes and provide surety of protection to consumers against faulty or tampered appliances. Consumers will directly benefit through proper billing, improved energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs due to standardized and compliant appliances.
Apart from the benefits to consumers, this rule is in line with international best practices and International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) standards for manufacturers and gas distribution companies.
