Palamu petroleum dealers seek relief from diesel cap
PNS
Daltonganj
The Palamu Pramandal Petroleum Association has urged the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to relax the recently imposed restrictions on the sale and distribution of High-Speed Diesel (HSD), warning that the regulations could adversely affect farmers, small entrepreneurs and several essential service providers across the region.
The appeal comes in the wake of a June 11, 2026 notification issued by the ministry, which capped diesel dispensation at 200 litres per consumer, per vehicle and per day. The temporary regulations, notified through the Gazette of India and subsequently communicated to retail outlets by oil marketing companies, also prohibit the sale of diesel in ordinary jerry cans, drums or other non-approved containers.
According to Vinod Singh, Secretary of the Palamu Pramandal Petroleum Association, the restrictions are likely to create serious difficulties for consumers who depend on diesel-powered generators and equipment.
“We want some relaxation in the dispensation limit. Otherwise, private nursing homes, hospitals, schools, coaching centres and clinics operating diesel-run generator sets will face difficulties as they may not be able to procure fuel,” Singh said.
He further warned that the farming sector could be among the worst affected. “Farmers and their agricultural activities will suffer because of the restrictions on diesel supply,” he added.
The Palamu division, comprising the districts of Palamu, Garhwa and Latehar, has around 140 petrol pumps. Dealers have been instructed to strictly adhere to the ministry’s directives, with any violation attracting action under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act.
Singh referred to a June 12 communication from the Indian Oil Corporation’s Ranchi Marketing Division directing all retail outlets in Jharkhand to comply with the new regulations.
Under the revised norms, diesel can only be dispensed directly into vehicle fuel tanks or into containers approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). Association members contend that such approved containers are not readily available in the market, where plastic jerry cans of varying capacities are commonly used.
