150 Petrol Pumps Across India Terminated For Malpractices

Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Maharashtra topped the list of states where petrol and diesel retail outlets were involved in malpractices.

Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum, i.e. the state-run oil marketers, have detected under-measurement in 3,516 retail outlets and adulteration in 195 units. He added, "In case of proven cases of under-measurement and adulteration, there is a provision to cancel the licence under Marketing Discipline Guidelines (MDG)/Dealership Agreement."

He further explained, "The MDG provides for termination of outlets in the first instance itself for serious malpractices like adulteration, tampering of seals and unauthorised fittings/gears in the dispensing units and graded penalties for other malpractices."

Mr Pradhan also spoke about other initiatives to prevent irregularities in retail outlets. These measures include automation, third-party certification of retail outlets and monitoring of movement of tank trucks through GPS.

(With inputs from IANS)