consumers From Faulty Gas Meters Protected

New Delhi: The Department of Consumer Affairs on Monday said it has taken a significant step towards strengthening consumer protection by framing draft rules that make it mandatory for all gas meters used for domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes, to undergo testing, verification and stamping prior to their use in trade and commerce.

The re-verification of these gas meters is also prescribed under the rules to ensure their correctness when these are in use, said Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in a statement.

The primary objective of these new rules, framed under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, is to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability in the measurement of gas. Verified and stamped gas meters will prevent overcharging or under-measurement, reduce disputes and provide guaranteed protection to consumers against faulty or manipulated devices. Consumers stand to benefit directly through fair billing, improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance costs arising from standardized and compliant equipment, according to an official statement.