Govt frames draft rules for gas meters to protect consumers

New Delhi: The government has drafted new rules requiring testing, verification and stamping of all domestic, commercial, and industrial gas meters before they can be used in trade, the consumer affairs ministry said on Monday.

The proposed regulations under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 aim to ensure accuracy and reliability in gas measurement, preventing billing disputes and protecting consumers from faulty devices.

"Verified and stamped gas meters will prevent overcharging or under-measurement, reduce disputes and provide guaranteed protection to consumers against faulty or manipulated devices," the ministry said in a statement.

Consumers will benefit through fair billing, improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance costs from standardised equipment, it added.

The draft rules include provisions for re-verification of meters in use and establish a compliance framework for manufacturers and distribution companies aligned with International Organization of Legal Metrology standards.

The ministry framed the regulations after consulting with the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology, industry experts, consumer organisations, manufacturers, testing laboratories and state authorities.

A transitional period will allow industry and authorities time to prepare for implementation "without disrupting gas supply or burdening consumers or businesses", according to the statement.