The Central Government has taken a major decision regarding the supply of petrol and diesel. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has imposed certain restrictions on the purchase of fuel from petrol pumps. Under the new order, factories and large companies will no longer be able to purchase oil from petrol pumps, and a single customer will not be given more than 200 liters of diesel per day. This order is effective immediately.
According to the government order, industrial, commercial, and institutional customers will no longer be able to purchase petrol or diesel from petrol pumps. They will have to purchase their fuel only from their consumer pumps, meaning that petrol pumps have been closed to large buyers.
Clear rules have also been established for petrol pumps. Petrol pumps will now dispense diesel only in vehicle tanks or in containers approved by PESO. A customer or vehicle will not be allowed to exceed 200 liters of diesel per day. This diesel will also not be sold further. Oil companies and pump dealers have been tasked with enforcing these rules. This ban is temporary. Any directive issued under the order will initially be in effect for a maximum of 90 days. The government may extend this period if necessary. Furthermore, the government may exempt any customer, region, or transaction from these rules.
There are two major reasons behind this decision. The first is the global situation. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in some regions are adversely affecting the international supply chain, shipping, and availability of petroleum. In this context, the government believes it is essential to use and conserve existing supplies judiciously. The second reason is internal. The government has observed an unusual increase in petrol and diesel sales at petrol pumps in some areas. In fact, due to the difference between retail and wholesale prices, factories and large commercial customers began purchasing fuel directly from petrol pumps. This led to the diversion of stocks meant for the common man, creating a risk of shortages in some areas. The government feared that this could lead to increased hoarding and black marketing, so this order was issued to maintain the supply of fuel to the common consumer.
Violation of the order is punishable under the Essential Commodities Act 1955 and other applicable laws. For monitoring, gazetted officers of the central or state government, police officers of the rank of DSP or above, and sales officers of oil companies have been given search and seizure powers. State governments have been asked to take strict action against hoarding, black marketing, and diversion.
If you fill up your car or bike with fuel, nothing has changed for you. There are no restrictions on ordinary consumers. The 200-liter daily limit is meaningless for ordinary vehicle owners, as the tanks in typical vehicles are much smaller than this. This order is intended to curb large buyers who are taking advantage of the low prices and purchasing large quantities of fuel from the pumps. The government’s goal is to ensure that the common man continues to have access to fuel at the pumps and there is no shortage.