Govt Expands GATC Rules for Verification of CNG, LNG, Hydrogen Dispensers

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has amended the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Centre) Rules, 2013, enabling government-approved testing centres to verify fuel dispensers for hydrogen, LPG, LNG and CNG as India accelerates its clean energy transition.

With the amendment, the number of instrument categories eligible for verification through Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs) has increased from 18 to 23. The move is aimed at strengthening the country’s measurement oversight framework and supporting the growing adoption of cleaner fuels.

Under the revised fee structure, verification charges for petrol and diesel dispensers have been fixed at INR 5,000 per nozzle, while hydrogen, CNG, LPG and LNG dispensers will attract a fee of INR 10,000 per nozzle.

“The move is expected to enhance the availability of verification services, improve efficiency and support the growing adoption of cleaner fuels across the country,” the ministry said in a statement.

GATCs are approved private facilities authorised to conduct verification and re-verification of specified weights and measures under the Legal Metrology Act. The framework allows qualified private laboratories to supplement state government verification infrastructure with specialised technical expertise.

The amended rules also empower state governments to notify additional categories of instruments for GATC verification based on regional requirements. Further, officers of the rank of Joint Secretary and above have been authorised to approve related matters to reduce administrative delays.

According to the ministry, the reforms will enable state legal metrology departments to focus more on inspection, enforcement and consumer grievance redressal while improving verification capacity nationwide.

The changes are also aligned with recommendations of the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).