In India, incidents involving gas cylinder explosions during cooking can lead to severe consequences, including loss of life and property. To address such tragedies, the Indian government and oil marketing companies (OMCs) have established compensation mechanisms for affected individuals.
Compensation Policies
OMCs like Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) have implemented a “Public Liability Policy for Oil Industries.” This insurance policy aims to provide prompt relief to victims of LPG-related accidents. According to information provided by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in July 2019, the policy includes:
- Personal accident cover of ₹6,00,000 per person in case of death.
- Medical expenses coverage of ₹30 lakh per event, with a maximum of ₹2,00,000 per person.
- Property damage coverage up to ₹2,00,000 per event at the authorized customer’s registered premises. The Financial Express
Additionally, reports suggest that in certain circumstances, compensation can reach up to ₹50 lakh. However, specific terms and conditions apply, such as the requirement that the accident occurs at the registered address, and that the consumer uses ISI-marked equipment provided by the authorized agency.
Legal Precedents
Indian consumer courts have adjudicated several cases where victims of gas cylinder explosions sought compensation:
- In 2019, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) directed IOCL and its dealer to pay over ₹12 lakh to the kin of a woman who died in a cylinder explosion, citing a manufacturing defect as the cause.
- In 2017, the NCDRC ordered IOCL and a distributing agency in Karnataka to pay ₹10.5 lakh to a man who lost his parents and daughter in a gas leak explosion.
- In another case, a district consumer forum directed a gas agency to compensate a widow with ₹7.18 lakh, ten years after she lost her husband in a cylinder explosion caused by a defective cylinder supplied through unauthorized means. The Times of India
Claim Process
To claim compensation, consumers must promptly inform the gas agency and local police following an accident. The gas agency then notifies the insurance company, which assesses the damage and determines the compensation amount. It’s crucial for consumers to retain all relevant documents and evidence to support their claims.
Conclusion
While the maximum compensation for gas cylinder explosions can be substantial, the actual amount awarded depends on various factors, including the severity of the incident and adherence to safety protocols. Consumers are encouraged to use authorized equipment and follow safety guidelines to mitigate risks and ensure eligibility for compensation in unfortunate events.
