LPG Distributors approach HC to rescue them from State Orders

Hyderabad: Around 680 LPG distributors through their association approached the Telangana High Court on Tuesday, complaining that the state government was trying to take control of their businesses by insisting on compliance with 43-year-old rules prescribed in the Telangana petroleum products (licensing and regulation of supplies) order, 1980.

They said their business was under the control of the Centre under the Liquefied petroleum gas (regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000, issued by the Union petroleum ministry, and the guidelines issued by the government oil companies.

A bench headed by Justice S. Nanda directed the government not to insist on the LPG distributors till further orders.

They said that if the state government order was to be implemented, they have to take a dual license for a "storage point" for their premises, which is duly licensed by the Chief Controller of Explosives of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation. The imposition of dual licensing contravened the principles of legality and administrative efficiency.

The association said the order conferred on officers of civil supplies, revenue and police unquestionable authority to search and seize LPG distributorships without warrant or notice of intimation.  This would inconvenience customers and dealers would incur monetary losses.