A delegation of the Jharkhand Petroleum Dealers Association on Monday evening met state Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Irfan Ansari, and senior officials of the department, expressing concern at the revised Petroleum Control Order issued by the Union government on June 11.
Senior functionary of the Coalfield Petroleum Dealers Association, Ashok Singh, who is also Jharkhand Petroleum Dealers Association (JPDA) president, while sharing the memorandum submitted to the state minister, said that during the meeting they highlighted the practical and operational challenges arising out of the new regulations issued by the Centre.
The memorandum submitted by the association noted that the revised order, issued on June 11, sets a maximum limit of 200 litres of diesel supply per consumer per day for the next 90 days. Additionally, the order mandates that diesel sales—other than direct fueling of vehicles—must be made only in containers certified by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
200-Litre Daily Cap Threatens Operations of Schools, Hospitals, and Industry
Dealers pointed out that various sectors in Jharkhand—such as schools, colleges, hospitals, mobile towers, agriculture, road construction projects, big, medium and small-scale industries, and government offices—require more than 200 litres of diesel daily.Furthermore, the limited availability of PESO-certified containers in the market could cause difficulties for farmers and those involved in essential services.
“Under the present order, petroleum dealers are facing serious difficulties in supplying diesel to these essential consumers in quantities commensurate with their operational requirements,” Ashok Singh said.
State Government Explores Clause 4 for Relaxation; Minister Plans Delhi Visit
Departmental Secretary Rajesh Sharma was also present during the meeting. Citing Section 4 of the gazette notification, the association urged the state government to provide relief regarding these provisions, taking local conditions into account.
“Clause 4 of the Gazette Notification issued by the Government of India provides scope for state governments to grant appropriate relaxations or modifications based on local requirements and prevailing circumstances,” the delegation members reminded the state minister.
“We have requested to revise the 200-litre diesel supply restriction for essential services, agriculture, development works and industrial establishments and permit supply according to genuine operational requirements,” said Singh.
They also sought relaxation regarding the mandatory use of PESO-certified containers and requested permission to allow diesel supply in other kinds of safe and standard containers such as empty lubricant drums, HDPE cans and other safe and approved containers.
The JPDA officials claimed that Ansari assured them that the issue would be resolved. Sharma clarified that since the matter stems from a Government of India order, it would be necessary to seek the Central Government’s views before making any decision.
“Ansari stated that after June 18, he would personally travel to Delhi with the JPDA delegation to meet the Union Petroleum Minister and apprise him of the situation in Jharkhand and the dealers’ concerns.
He also instructed his private secretary to send a letter to the Union Ministry regarding this matter,” Ashok Singh added.
