By Kukiland Express Staff Reporter
Churachandpur, April 22:
Churachandpur District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S has imposed an immediate ban on the sale or delivery of petrol and diesel in loose containers, citing rising concerns over hoarding, black marketing, and uneven distribution of fuel across the district. The prohibitory order, issued under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, bars fuel stations from dispensing petrol or diesel into jerrycans, bottles, cans, or any similar vessels. The restriction comes into effect immediately and will remain in force until further orders from the district administration.
The order, however, provides a narrow exemption for cases where buyers produce valid written authorisation from a competent authority. The authorisation must clearly specify the purpose and quantity of fuel required, allowing for regulated supply in genuine cases such as agricultural, industrial, or emergency use. The District Magistrate said the measure was necessary after reports indicated a likelihood of artificial shortages being created through bulk purchases in containers, leading to panic buying and disruption of normal supply chains in the district.
To enforce compliance, all fuel dealers in Churachandpur have been directed to maintain daily stock and sales registers. These records must be updated regularly and produced for inspection whenever demanded by authorised officers. The administration warned that any lapse in record-keeping or attempt to divert stock would be viewed seriously. The order is aimed at ensuring transparency in fuel transactions and preventing diversion of petroleum products to the black market during periods of perceived scarcity.
All retail outlets and petrol pumps in the district have also been instructed to ensure fair and orderly sale of petrol and diesel to the public without discrimination. The DM stressed that dealers must avoid hoarding, maintain continuous availability during notified operating hours, and ensure that no customer is denied fuel arbitrarily. The order warned that any violation will attract punishment under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, along with any other legal action deemed necessary. The district administration said the step was taken in public interest to safeguard equitable access to essential fuel supplies.
