Business
Institutional Buyers Barred from Retail Fuel Outlets for 90 Days
In a bid to safeguard fuel availability and prevent hoarding during ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the Centre has imposed temporary restrictions on the purchase of petrol and diesel by institutional, industrial, and commercial consumers. The move aims to ensure uninterrupted supplies for the public, farmers, and essential services.
The Central Government has imposed temporary restrictions on the purchase of Motor Spirit (petrol) and High-Speed Diesel (HSD) by institutional, industrial, and commercial consumers to prevent local shortages and maintain stable fuel supplies amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
Under the new directive issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, such consumers will no longer be permitted to procure fuel from regular retail outlets and have instead been instructed to meet their requirements through their designated consumer pumps.
The Ministry stated that the measure has been introduced in response to disruptions in global supply chains arising from geopolitical developments in West Asia, which have heightened concerns over fuel availability and the possibility of panic buying or hoarding.
The notification emphasised that Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel are essential commodities, playing a crucial role in the transportation of goods and passengers, agricultural activities, emergency response operations, and national security. Ensuring their uninterrupted availability at fair prices remains a priority for the government.
As part of the restrictions, retail outlets have been directed to limit the sale of High-Speed Diesel to a maximum of 200 litres per customer per day. The cap is intended to discourage bulk purchases that could adversely affect supplies meant for ordinary consumers.
The government clarified that the restrictions will remain in force for up to 90 days and described the order as a precautionary and temporary measure designed to curb practices adopted by unscrupulous elements seeking to exploit the situation.
The Ministry also noted that several state governments had requested intervention to prevent hoarding, citing inconvenience faced by retail customers and farmers due to unusual fuel procurement patterns.
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and retail outlet dealers have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the order and monitor sales to prevent misuse.
Officials have reassured the public that there is no immediate cause for concern and that the objective of the restrictions is to maintain orderly distribution, prevent artificial shortages, and protect the interests of genuine consumers during a period of global uncertainty.
