Jharkhand petroleum dealers seek relaxation in diesel container rule amid supply concerns
Daltonganj, June 18: Petroleum dealers in Jharkhand have expressed concern over the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas’s decision to allow…
Daltonganj, June 18: Petroleum dealers in Jharkhand have expressed concern over the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas’s decision to allow the transportation of diesel only in PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation)-approved containers, saying the restriction is causing inconvenience to a wide range of users.
According to dealers, the issue is not the quantity of diesel permitted for purchase but the mandatory requirement regarding the type of container used for carrying the fuel. They said farmers, schools, hospitals, clinics, coaching centres and small entrepreneurs are among those likely to be affected by the regulation.
PESO-approved containers not available, say dealers
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has directed that diesel can be transported only in PESO-approved containers. However, dealers claim such containers are currently not available in the local market.
Instead, consumers generally use plastic jerry cans of various capacities, which are easily available and widely used for carrying diesel.
Secretary of the Palamu Pramandal Petroleum Dealers Association, Vinod Singh, urged the ministry to immediately relax the requirement for PESO-approved containers in Jharkhand.
“Jharkhand’s market does not have PESO-approved containers at present. Then where will consumers get them from?” Singh asked.
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Dealers term conditions difficult to implement
Singh said the ministry has imposed two key conditions: diesel should either be supplied directly into a vehicle’s fuel tank or transported only in a PESO-approved container.
“Both conditions are difficult to implement under the present circumstances,” he said.
The ministry has also warned of strict action in cases of any violation of the diesel distribution guidelines.
Concerns ahead of agricultural season
The regulation has reportedly been introduced as a temporary measure for 90 days, keeping in view the prevailing oil supply situation amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
However, dealers argue that the timing could create difficulties for farmers, as Jharkhand is entering the agricultural season with the expected arrival of monsoon rains.
Singh said the restriction on containers could adversely affect diesel users involved in farming and other small-scale economic activities.
Call for relaxation of container clause
Under the current guidelines, an individual can purchase up to 200 litres of diesel per person, per vehicle, per day. However, the fuel must either be filled directly into the vehicle’s fuel tank or carried in a PESO-approved container.
Petroleum dealers have urged the ministry to relax the container requirement to ensure convenience for consumers, particularly farmers and small business operators who depend on diesel for daily operations.
