The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Haryana, on Saturday asked deputy commissioners and District Food and Supplies Controllers (DFSCs) to restrict the unusually high sale and unauthorised inter-state movement of High Speed Diesel from retail pumps.
As per the letter dated May 30, addressed to DCs, it was intimated, “It has come to the notice of the Government that an unusually high volume of High-Speed Diesel (HSD)/ Motor Spirit is being purchased directly from retail petroleum outlets across various districts in the state. Investigations reveal that several bulk consumers, commercial establishments and transport operators are bypassing direct procurement channels from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and are instead extracting massive volumes from retail pumps.”
The letter added, “Furthermore, serious intelligence inputs indicate the unauthorised movement of HSD/Motor Spirit in large, uncalibrated, or unauthorised tankers across state lines, severely impacting state revenue and violating safety protocols under the Petroleum Act.”
It has been instructed to DCs to monitor the daily sales data of all retail petroleum pumps within their jurisdiction. Any retail outlet showing a sudden, statistically unusual spike in HSD/Motor Spirit sales must be audited immediately.
“Ensure that retail outlets do not supply HSD/Motor Spirit in bulk quantities to unauthorised tankers or commercial entities that are legally mandated to procure fuel directly from OMCs as bulk consumers,” the letter said.
It was asked that strict checking must be initiated against unauthorised tankers transporting HSD/Motor Spirit without valid invoices, delivery chalans and explosive safety certificates.
“Any tanker found moving HSD/Motor Spirit without proper documentation or from unauthorised distribution points must be impounded and strict legal action should be initiated under the Essential Commodities Act and the Petroleum/Motor spirit & HSD Control Orders,” the letter added.
It has been directed that exceptional focus and multi-departmental efforts are required in districts sharing borders with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab (including but not limited to Yamunanagar, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Palwal, Nuh, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Ambala).
“Deputy Commissioners of these bordering districts are directed to set up flying squads comprising the Food & Supplies Department, Local Police, and State Revenue/Tax authorities. Establish 24/7 checking nakas (check-posts) at strategic border entry/exit points to intercept the illegal transit of HSD/Motor Spirit,” said the letter.
DFSCs have been asked to collaborate with the district coordinators of Indian Oil (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) to identify any anomalies between regular supply chains and sudden spikes in local retail pump demands.
