There is some mandatory requirement that consumers should get their gas connection checked up once in 2 years. The purpose of such checks, we are told, is to primarily prevent gas leaks which may lead to accidents. The local distributors send their mechanics and for which they presently charge an inspection fee of Rs.75=00. This is some obsolete provision which other Gas companies like HP Gas etc.have discontinued, but is vigorously followed by my Bharat Gas distributor. I say it is obsolete because gas is now mixed with a distinct odor which anyone can easily recognize in case there is a gas leakage. The only reason why some distributors insist on this check is to pocket the inspection fee for which they do hardly anything except turn the knobs and spend less than 5 minutes. Some enterprising mechanics make unnecessary suggestions to change various parts of the stove and tube just to make a faster buck.