JOIN USCentre orders surprise checks at fuel stations
Days after Uttar Pradesh petrol pumps were caught dispensing less fuel using remote-controlled electronic chips, the Centre has decided to conduct random checks at fuel stations across the country.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday said that strict action will be taken against those found guilty. “Those dealers violating marketing discipline guidelines will also face strict action, amounting to even termination of licences,” Pradhan said.
The move comes days after the UP Special Task Force (STF) conducted raids on petrol pumps in Lucknow and seized remote-controlled electronic chips installed inside the machines which dispensed 60 ml less petrol per litre. Remote controls were also recovered from the managers of nine petrol pumps.
The STF found that petrol pumps were reaping profits using chips which cost about Rs 3,000 each. It also arrested a person who had developed the chip. It was estimated that the petrol pump owners earned profits to the tune of Rs 14 lakh per month by duping customers.
Pradhan said all fuel stations in Uttar Pradesh will be re-assessed by a team comprising representatives from various state government departments and oil marketing companies.
The minister said that of the nine fuel stations, three belonged to Indian Oil Corporation, while six were affiliated to Bharat Petroleum Limited. He said that two officials of state-owned fuel retailers have been suspended following the raids.