In view of the increasing use of hydrogen and gas based clean fuels in the country, the Central Government has made major changes in the legal metrology rules. Now the responsibility of verification of Hydrogen, LPG, LNG and CNG fuel dispensing units (dispensers) will also be given to government recognized private testing centers. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has amended the Legal Metrology (Government Recognized Testing Centers) Rules, 2013 in this regard.
Scope of verification system extended
The purpose of this decision of the government is to strengthen the weights and measures monitoring system in the country and to promote the use of clean fuels. After the amendment, the number of devices to be verified by government recognized testing centers i.e. GATC has been increased from 18 to 23. These centers have the technical capacity to test and reverify weighing and measuring instruments.
Petrol-diesel and gas dispenser charges fixed
Under the new rules, a fee of Rs 5,000 per nozzle has been fixed for verification of petrol and diesel dispensing units. Whereas for CNG, LPG, LNG and Hydrogen dispenser, this fee has been kept at Rs 10,000 per nozzle. The nozzle is a device which is fitted at the end of the fuel filling pipe and through which petrol, diesel or gas is filled in the vehicle.
Clean energy will get a boost
According to the ministry, with this decision, verification services will be available faster across the country and the entire process will become more effective. Besides, the pace of adoption of clean fuels will also increase. The government believes that the use of hydrogen and gas based fuels will increase rapidly in the coming times. In such a situation, it is important to ensure correct measurement and transparency of fuel distribution units.
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