Petrol, Diesel Purchase Rules: The Central Government has issued fresh guidelines governing the sale and purchase of petrol and diesel, imposing new restrictions on industrial, commercial and institutional consumers. Under the new order, such bulk users have been barred from purchasing fuel from retail petrol pumps and must instead procure their requirements from authorised bulk sale points.
The restrictions will remain in force for up to 90 days. During this period, large consumers, including factories, industries, commercial establishments and institutions, will no longer be allowed to buy petrol or diesel from regular fuel stations.
Meanwhile, diesel sold through bulk channels is significantly more expensive than retail fuel. While diesel currently costs Rs 95.20 per litre at petrol pumps in Delhi, the bulk sale price stands at Rs 134.50 per litre.
How Much Diesel Can Be Purchased In A Day?
The government has also introduced a daily purchase limit to curb large-scale and suspicious fuel transactions.
Under the new rules, any customer or vehicle can purchase a maximum of 200 litres of diesel from a petrol pump in a single day. Fuel stations will not be permitted to dispense quantities beyond this limit at one time.
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What Are The New Restrictions?
As per the government's directive, industrial, commercial and institutional consumers can no longer purchase petrol or diesel from retail fuel outlets. They must source their fuel directly from authorised wholesale dealers at prevailing bulk market rates.
The order further states that diesel can only be dispensed from petrol pumps directly into the main fuel tank of a vehicle or into special containers certified by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
Fuel purchased from retail petrol pumps cannot be resold for profit. Any violation of this rule will attract strict legal and punitive action under the Essential Commodities Act.
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The centre has also directed state governments to take necessary measures to prevent hoarding, diversion and black marketing of fuel.
Government-authorised officers, police officers of DSP rank and above, and designated oil company officials have been empowered to inspect petrol pumps and seize goods if any irregularities are detected.