Rajasthan fuel sale limits alleged by petrol pump dealers amid supply cuts

Petrol pump dealers in Rajasthan allege oil marketing companies reduced fuel supplies and issued informal instructions to cap petrol and diesel sales per customer. The Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association says the limits were shared via messages and verbal directions, without written orders from the Centre, the state government, or the firms, and warns of law and order risks at fuel stations.

Petrol pump dealers in Rajasthan alleged that oil marketing companies were cutting fuel supply and pushing informal limits on sales. The Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association warned this could create crowding and disputes at outlets. The group said restrictions were being passed by mobile messages and verbal directions. Dealers said the limits lacked any public notice.

The association said reduced delivery from depots was also creating shortages at many pumps. Dealers said outlets were running dry even as rules required minimum stock. The group warned that any gap between demand and supply could raise tensions. It said this situation could affect law and order at fuel stations.

Rajasthan fuel supply limits alleged by petrol pump dealers

In a representation submitted to oil companies on Thursday, the Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association said dealers were told to restrict sales per consumer. General secretary Shashank Korani said the instructions were not given in writing. The association also claimed the limits differed across companies, which added to confusion among buyers and staff.

According to the association, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd IOCL allegedly told dealers to cap diesel at Rs 50,000. It also allegedly asked dealers to limit petrol to Rs 5,000 per consumer. The group said Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd BPCL allegedly fixed caps at 49 litres of petrol. It also allegedly set 200 litres of diesel per customer.

The association said similar restrictions were allegedly communicated by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd HPCL. Dealers claimed supplies were stopped when sales went beyond the stated caps. The group said this put retail outlets under pressure during busy hours. It warned that customers may argue when asked to limit purchases.

Rajasthan fuel supply curbs and Essential Commodities Act concerns

The dealers body said no written instructions had been issued by the Centre, the state government or oil companies. It also said petrol pumps must keep minimum stock under the Essential Commodities Act. Dealers warned that low supply could still leave outlets short. The group said this could expose dealers to action by authorities.

The association urged oil companies to publish clear written guidelines on any Rajasthan fuel supply limits. It asked that details be made public through newspapers to reduce confusion. Dealers said open communication could lower the risk of disputes. The group repeated that unclear caps and reduced supply could disturb order at petrol pumps.

With inputs from PTI