New Delhi: Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday said that surprise checks will be conducted across India at fuel stations to detect any short-selling of petrol and diesel by petrol pump owners to consumers by tampering with the system in dispensing units.
“The instructions to this effect have been given to all concerned,” said Mr Pradhan at a press conference called on the issue here. The minister said that the Central government hopes for full co-operation from the states as “weights and measures” is a state subject and the annual supervision cum certification of fuel delivery units at fuel stations is carried out by the weights and measures departments of the concerned state.
“Responsibility to ensure proper measurement lies with the state’s weights and measure departments but as owners oil marketing companies also have to share the blame,” he said.
Mr Pradhan said consumer interest is paramount and that strict action will be taken against those found guilty of tampering with fuel calibration. He said that those dealers violating the marketing discipline guidelines (MDG) will also face strict action mounting to even termination of licences.
The minister said two officials of state-owned fuel retailers in UP have been suspended following the raids. “We have initiated action against respective field officers. The strictest possible action will be taken against guilty petrol pumps, including termination of licence,” he said.
The minister said that all fuel stations in UP will be re-assessed by a team comprising of representatives from state government’s weight and measures department, civil supplies department, special task force and the Oil marketing company.
