Consumers worry about domestic LPG weight after gas refilling scam comes to light

Time of India

06-05-2025

Dharwad: During a recent raid conducted by Food and Civil Supplies officials in Dharwad taluk, the refilling of commercial cylinders using domestic LPG cylinders came to light. After which, many locals are expressing doubt over domestic cylinders. They suspect that their cylinders are underweight and are helpless to weigh the cylinders at home. The net weight of domestic cylinders is 14.2 kg, but gas agency staff are reportedly diverting the gas to commercial cylinders.Social activist Lingaraj Dharwad suspected that he is often getting underweight LPG cylinders. "When we ask to weigh the cylinder, they insist we come and collect the cylinders from their office itself. If we argue, the staff start delaying delivery, or drop the cylinders at the gate itself. Many times, the delivery staff demand extra tips to deliver the cylinders at our doorstep," he shared.Sujata Goudar, a homemaker in Vidyanagar, said that sometimes she gets gas for 45 days and sometimes it empties in just 30 days. "We are a family of four, and the usage is the same most of the time. Since we don't have a weighing machine at home, we don't question the weight of cylinders. After reading reports of refilling incidents, we are worried about the weight of the cylinders we receive," she expressed.Anil Madan Desai, proprietor of Bharat Gas, Hubballi, said that as per norms all delivery boys have the weighing machine approved by the Weight and Measure Department. "Consumers should conduct pre-delivery inspection (PDI) that involves checking the vicer, seal, and weight of the cylinder. Though all cylinders are checked twice at the plant itself, PDI at the receivers' end is a must to ensure safety and weight. However, many consumers negligently tell delivery boys to keep the cylinder at their door and never conduct PDI," he commented.When TOI spoke to consumers, they said that they were unaware of the weighing machine available with delivery boys.Deputy director of food and civil supplies, Channabasappa Kodli said that a gas refilling act was found in Kyarakoppa recently and officials have initiated action against the agency. "If we get a clue or complaints from consumers, we will intensify raids on such agencies," he assured.Check your cylinderThe net weight of domestic gas is to be 14.2 kg. The gross weight of a domestic cylinder will be 29.8 kg or 30.2 kg, which is It printed on the respective cylinder. Consumers should insist delivery boys show the weight as well. If they don't have a weighing machine approved by the Weight and Measure Department, consumers can reject the cylinder and file a complain with the concerned gas agency or with the food and civil supplies department.