Centre frames draft rules for gas meters

The Consumer Affairs Ministry has framed draft rules for gas meters under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011.
| Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Consumer Affairs Ministry has framed draft rules for gas meters under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, which 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,” the Centre said in a press release here on Monday.

The Ministry said the primary objective of these new rules was 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 standardised and compliant equipment,” the government release said.

The rules will also provide a structured compliance framework for manufacturers and gas distribution companies, aligned with international best practices and International Organisation of Legal Metrology standards. “This alignment strengthens India’s commitment to global standards, boosts credibility in international trade and encourages innovation and quality assurance within the domestic manufacturing ecosystem,” the Ministry said.

A technical committee consisting of representatives from the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology (IILM), Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs), industry experts and Voluntary Consumer Organisations (VCOs) was constituted to frame the draft. “Simultaneously, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) was engaged to examine the draft and provide scientific and technical inputs,” the Ministry said, adding that the draft rules were widely circulated among stakeholders, including manufacturers, testing laboratories, City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies and State Legal Metrology Departments. “Their feedback was carefully analysed and incorporated into the final draft, wherever required,” the Ministry said.