Petrol-Diesel Rule Update: Govt issues Advisory to All

Petrol Diesel: Iran’s conflict with the US and Israel has sparked a fuel crisis in India. Even with the government’s repeated reassurances, the public remains anxious. This anxiety has resulted in people stockpiling everything from petrol and diesel to LPG cylinders. In response to this situation, the Petroleum Ministry has released an advisory, cautioning against the transportation of petrol or diesel in loose or inappropriate containers, as well as storing them at home. The ministry emphasized that such practices could lead to significant security hazards.

Petrol stations have been firmly instructed to comply with all safety regulations during fuel dispensing, or they will face strict penalties. Notably, a recent incident at a petrol station in Chennai involved the dispensing of petrol into loose containers. As a result, the petrol station in question was immediately suspended.

What did the ministry communicate?

In a message on X, the ministry stated, “Petrol and diesel are readily available in adequate amounts at retail locations nationwide. Consumers are urged not to buy or store fuel in open or unsuitable containers, as this presents serious safety concerns.” The ministry’s message further noted, “Reports have indicated that petrol was being sold in open containers at a retail outlet in Tamil Nadu, which is both unsafe and improper. All petrol pump operators and dealers have been instructed to strictly adhere to safety regulations while dispensing fuel. The ministry warned that strict measures will be enforced against any retail outlet found breaching these rules.

Meanwhile, Indian Oil has directed not to sell petrol in bottles, plastic cans and other containers as motorists standing in queues in front of petrol pumps are panic-buying their fuel. An official spokesperson of Indian Oil said that recently many such incidents have been reported where a large number of customers are visiting retail outlets and demanding fuel in bottles and other unsafe containers citing panic in the market. It may be noted that people have started panic-buying petrol in bottles and cans amid fears of shortage of supply due to fall in crude oil production in the wake of ongoing conflict in West Asia region.