Govt puts entry conditions on LPG marketers in auto sector
New Delhi--The government has decided that parallel marketers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will be required to invest the statutory Rs 2,000 crore in the petroleum sector, if they want to retail auto fuel.
As per a 1997 Cabinet decision, an investment of Rs 2,000 crore is According to the draft Bill allowing use of LPG as auto fuel, the retailers of LPG for auto purposes will have to take a minimum risk certificate from the authorities for its sale. This certificate will be valid for two years after which the authorities will have the right to take a fresh look at it.
The government has already decided that no subsidy will be allowed on LPG when used as auto fuel. However, the 15 per cent subsidy on LPG used for cooking purposes is expected to continue.
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Delhi, UP, Bihar top defaulting SEBs
New Delhi—Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are the top defaulting state electricity boards, accounting for over 50 per cent of the Rs 18251.11 crore dues owed by SEBs to National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).
Topping the list is the Bihar State Electricity Board with a total outstanding of Rs 3349.71 crore, which includes Rs 1960.65 crore principal and Rs 1389.08 crore surcharge/interest, as on June 30, 2001, NTPC chairman C P Jain said here.
The Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Board in the second place owes Rs 3264.75 crore, which includes Rs 2467.12 crore principal and Rs 797.63 crore surcharge.
Delhi Vidyut Board has an outstanding of Rs 3103.86 crore - Rs 1551.96 crore principal and Rs 1551.90 crore surcharge.
As on June 30, 2001, SEBs owed Rs 18251.11 crore to NTPC, which includes Rs 11703.76 crore principal and Rs 6547.35 crore surcharge.
The Madhya Pradesh Electricity Board owed NTPC Rs 1742.85 crore including Rs 1334.32 crore principal and Rs 408.53 crore surcharge. West Bengal State Electricity Board owes Rs 1520.67 crore which includes a surcharge of Rs 669.89 crore.
Though all SEBs owe NTPC some amount, the southern states particularly Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, figure better on timely payments of monthly power bills, an NTPC official said.
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