To prevent loss of revenue to state oil companies, the government has completely banned buying fuel in bulk at petrol pumps. Under the new rules, bulk buyers will no longer be able to purchase fuel from retail petrol pumps. Institutions like malls, hospitals, large factories, travel agencies and private bus operators – which earlier bought diesel in bulk from retail pumps – will now be allowed to buy diesel only from designated wholesale points.
**What is the fixed limit?**
A daily limit of 200 liters has also been fixed for each vehicle. As a result, the general public and small commercial vehicle operators will not be able to purchase more than 200 liters of diesel at a time or in a day from petrol pumps. The purpose of this step is to prevent crowding at retail pumps and avoid sudden fuel shortage, so that common drivers can easily get fuel. Meanwhile, international crude oil prices fell below $86 per barrel on Friday amid reports of a possible US-Iran agreement.
**Why was this ban imposed?**
This ban has been specifically imposed on the sale of diesel. “Retail outlet dealers will dispense HSD (High-Speed Diesel) only in PESO approved vehicle tanks or containers. Not more than 200 liters of diesel will be supplied per day to a customer or vehicle, and HSD purchased will not be resold,” the notification said. This order has come into effect immediately and will remain in force for a maximum of three months.
Officials of state-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs), speaking on condition of anonymity, said the move has been taken to ensure availability of petrol and diesel to genuine customers and to prevent diversion or misuse of auto fuel as there is a huge difference between retail pump rates and wholesale prices. Diesel price at the pump in Delhi is ₹95.20 per litre, while the wholesale price is ₹134.50 per litre.
