Petroleum dealers flag concerns over new fuel supply norms
PNS
Ranchi
A delegation of the Jharkhand Petroleum Dealers Association met state Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Minister Dr Irfan Ansari in Ranchi on Monday, submitting a memorandum highlighting practical difficulties arising from the Centre’s newly issued Petroleum Control Order.
The delegation informed the minister that, as per a notification issued by the Central government on June 11, 2026, petrol pumps are now restricted to supplying a maximum of 200 litres of diesel per customer per day. Additionally, the order mandates that diesel supply, beyond vehicle tanks, can only be made in containers certified by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
The association expressed concern that the new norms could severely impact essential sectors, including hospitals, educational institutions, agriculture, mobile tower operations, construction activities, industries, stone crushers, brick kilns, irrigation work, and government projects.
They further pointed out that PESO-certified containers are not readily available in the market and are priced significantly higher, creating additional financial burden and logistical challenges for consumers and institutions alike.
Taking note of the concerns, Dr Irfan Ansari immediately convened a meeting with the departmental secretary to review the matter in detail and assess the ground situation.
The minister stated that while the state government is constitutionally bound to implement the Centre’s directive, the order could adversely affect essential services, agricultural operations, development projects, and industrial activities in Jharkhand.
He assured the delegation that their concerns were genuine and rooted in public interest. Dr Ansari added that he would soon visit New Delhi to meet the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and present Jharkhand’s ground realities and the challenges faced by its people.
