Pune Residents Urged to Verify Credentials of Gas Safety Inspectors Before Sharing OTPs

Pune, 20th August 2024: Incidents have been reported in Pune where gas distribution staff are asking consumers for one-time passwords (OTPs) to ensure the safety of items such as cylinders, stoves, and rubber pipes in their homes. However, citizens are advised to ensure that the employee requesting the OTP is from the authorized gas distributor before providing any information. Failure to do so may put individuals at risk of financial fraud. Citizens must exercise caution.

To mitigate gas-related dangers, the Central Government has directed all gas distributors to conduct free safety checks by sending staff door-to-door. It is crucial for residents to verify whether the employee conducting the gas safety inspection is authorized by the distributor. Entry should only be granted after confirming their credentials. A senior official from the gas distribution company outlined the security check process:

1. Ensure that the cylinder is upright and that the stove is placed on a stable surface. LPG gas is heavier than air and can accumulate on the ground if it leaks, increasing the risk of accidents.
2. Check that the rubber pipe connecting the cylinder to the stove is in good condition, as this pipe comes with a five-year warranty.
3. Ensure that the kitchen is free of fire or flammable materials, as a gas leak combined with an open flame could lead to a fire.
4. Confirm that the regulator is from a reputable company.

After these checks, the employee will document the house address and take a photo of the gas cylinder using an app.

Yogesh Bhogshetty, an LPG distributor, stated, “All security checks are free. When personnel arrive for inspection, verify their credentials and confirm with the gas distributor before issuing the OTP after the inspection. In case of a gas leak or emergency, call 1906 to report it to the concerned gas distributor.”

A senior officer from the gas distribution company added, “Previously, a charge of 236 rupees was applied for a security check. Currently, free door-to-door checks are being conducted as part of the government’s campaign. We are informing customers through SMS, WhatsApp, and phone calls to ensure the safety of as many households as possible. Consumers should inspect their rubber gas pipes; if they are damaged or expired, they should purchase replacements from authorized dealers. Fake rubber pipes, which are prevalent in the market, pose a significant risk.”