Draft Rules Framed for Gas Meters by Centre

• 15 Apr 2025
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In order to strengthen consumer protection and promote fair trade practices, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India has framed draft rules for Gas Meters under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011. These rules would ensure accurate measurement in gas usage. According to these rules, all gas meters for domestic, commercial and industrial purposes must mandatorily undergo testing, verification and stamping before their use in trade and commerce.

The rules prescribe the gas meters’ re-verification to ensure their correctness when they are in use. The main goal of these new rules is to make sure gas measurement is more transparent and reliable. Since there will be proper meters with proper verification, the same will help prevent overcharging and billing errors, reduce disputes, and protect consumers from faulty/tampered devices. The benefits include fair billing, better energy efficiency, and fewer maintenance issues arising from standardized equipment.

For manufacturers and gas distributors, the draft rules provide a clear compliance structure that aligns with international standards, including those set by the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML). This not only supports global credibility but also encourages quality and innovation in the domestic market.

To draft new rules for gas meters, a thorough and inclusive consultative process took place. The Legal Metrology Division of the Department of Consumer Affairs led this. This department plays an active role in ensuring accuracy of all weights and measurements. 

For draft framing, a technical committee's formation took place. This committee consisted of representatives from Indian Institute of Legal Metrology (IILM), Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs), industry professionals and Voluntary Consumer Organizations (VCOs). Not only this, the draft was examined by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It also provided scientific and technical insights on the draft.

Many stakeholders had received the draft of the rules. This included the Manufacturers, testing labs, City Gas Distribution corporations, and State Legal Metrology Departments. Where it was necessary, their input was taken in consideration and then later on, added to the final draft. Several rounds of stakeholder meetings and interdepartmental consultations took place. This made sure everything was in detail as well as to maintain a balance between implementation ease and regulatory requirements.

In the final draft of rules, a transitional period was outlined once all the discussions were done. The intention here was to offer the industry and implementing authorities time to get ready for compliance. This strategy guarantees that there would be a smooth implementation of these rules nationwide without interfering with gas supplies or putting a strain on business/consumers. 

This initiative shows the Government’s commitment when it comes to improvising our country’s measurement ecosystem and aligning it with the global standards. It enhances the consumer confidence and promotes the market’s efficiency and integrity. India moves closer to a more transparent and accountable system of gas measurement as a result of the new rules. 

Source: PIB