IMPHAL, Sept 26: Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF&PD) Department, Government of Manipur, has given 15 days’ time to individuals illegally selling petrol and diesel to stop the practice, warning that legal action will be taken under the Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980, if the practice does not stop.
Officer on Special Duty (Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants), CAF&PD, Haobam Bobby announced the decision at the DIPR auditorium in Imphal on Friday.
He said the move comes after complaints of bulk sale of petrol and high-speed diesel using fuel pump nozzles in areas of Thoubal and Imphal East districts. “Those selling fuel illegally in bulk must stop within 15 days from today (September 26). Failure to comply will invite strict legal action,” Bobby warned.
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The department will also conduct drives against those stocking fuel in bulk to verify whether they possess a ‘certificate of safety’ issued by the Chief Controller and a ‘certificate of tank test’ under Rule 126 of the Petroleum Rules, 2002. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had notified these guidelines on March 13, 2002.
During inspections, officials will verify petrol pumps and home-based dispensing units to check whether they have valid dealership from an Oil Marketing Company (OMC), along with no-objection certificates, environment clearance, fire safety certificates, and explosive licenses from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
Bobby further said the crackdown will also target roadside black-market petrol sellers across the state. (NNN)
