Amidst mounting fears about fuel supply shortages nationwide, the Karnataka government has implemented restrictions on fuel distribution. The Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs has issued very strict rules on petrol retail use and raised a warning on how stringently the enforcement of laws would need to be based on revocation of licences for any violation of the regulations. The new rules are said to deter hoarding, black-marketing and panic buying, and to save fuel stockpiled to fill basic needs.
Maximum Fuel Consumption Limits Were Enacted
At this time, though, petrol bunks would no longer be permitted to provide vehicles or authorised storage containers with more than 200 litres of fuel at one time under the new rules.
Officials of the government noted that the limit would limit excess fuel storage and abuse when fuel supply was to be discontinued in an emergency. Policymakers advised fuel stations to monitor sales closely, as well as their consumers, to ensure that no consumer goes over the official quantity limit without authorisation.
Vehicle Tanks are all there for filling them with Fuel
The government says petrol and diesel can be used only in vehicles’ fuel tanks, or in approved containers which are provided by fuel bunks. Fuel must not be casually stuffed into discarded storage vehicles, the authorities said, especially during periods of uncertainty, when illegal stockpiling’s focus is on them.
Prohibition on Bottles And Plastic Cans
One of the main orders in place is a complete ban on sending petrol or diesel in bottles, plastic cans and other unauthorised packaging. All that has been done primarily for safety and to curb illegal fuel storage and black-market activities. Letting fuel be sold in cans and bottles, and with no restrictions, can lead to hoarding and dangerous logistics, authorities say. Petrol bunk operators were told to refuse those requests before accepting them, and report suspicious activities if need be.
Restrictions for bulk fuel supply
It also bans the sale of unauthorised bulk fuels in petrol bunks. Bulk supply will be provided only if permission is obtained from the authorised licences and written authority. Any fuel station found to violate the rules or discreetly diverting fuel, the officials warned, would be subject to immediate licence cancellation and potential legal action.
Rules for the Special Needs of Farmers
Farmers and aquaculture operations that need diesel to farm will continue to be offered assistance as necessary, the regime said. But now farmers may also have to pass certain verification procedures through specific authorities before getting the fuel in bulk. Officials can inspect the field and ensure agricultural needs are real before they are provided. District officials are required by law to avoid any hardship for farmers and abuses such as subsidies or widespread disbursement of fuel.
Government Warns of Thorough Measures
The Food and Civil Supplies Department announced that “Petrol bunks, with irregular practices such as hoarders or black market sellers of fuel, will be treated seriously and effectively.” Teams may conduct surprise state inspections, officials said, to make sure people are abiding by the new rules. The government has told people not to panic and declared the action taken to be precautionary and to assist the people of Karnataka, who will be dependent on its constant source of fuel.
