The Indian government has banned the purchase of petrol and diesel from petrol pumps. According to a government order, the government has banned industrial, commercial and institutional users from buying petrol and diesel from petrol pumps. Such customers have been asked to buy oil from wholesale points. The government order will be effective for 90 days. The decision has been taken after an abnormal increase in oil demand in some areas. The price of oil at the consumer pump is higher than normal. Due to this, many customers have started buying oil in large quantities from petrol pumps. Therefore, it has been decided that more than 200 liters of oil will not be available. It will cost Rs 39 more to fill a drum.
Excessive diesel consumption in telecom towers- The market price is charged from bulk consumers like telecom towers and industries that use diesel for their requirements in power generation and other fields. But the retail pump price is much lower than the cost. On June 11, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel Order, 2026. It directed fuel retailers and oil marketing companies to prohibit bulk purchases from retail sales for a period of 90 days at a time. The government said the move was necessary due to the “current geopolitical situation affecting certain regions of the world”, which has adversely affected the international petroleum supply chain, transportation logistics and availability of petroleum products.
Multiple purchases at petrol pumps a problem for common people – The government said multiple purchases at petrol pumps could divert fuel supplies intended for general consumers back to the industry, leading to local shortages and disruption of essential services to the common man. The order empowers public sector oil marketing companies and other captive fuel retailers to impose restrictions and compels state governments and union territories to take action against hoarding, black marketing, unauthorised procurement and other diversion of fuel supply.
The government wants to ensure uninterrupted supply – Any restrictions imposed under the new framework will be effective for an initial 90 days. This can be extended through a new government order. The government said these measures are aimed at ensuring equal availability of petrol and diesel, preventing hoarding and diversion and maintaining uninterrupted supply in the country.
