The industrial community of Ludhiana has expressed its deep concerns to Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, during his visit to the city on Saturday. A delegation from the Federation of Industrial & Commercial Organisation (FICO), led by Chairman KK Seth and President Gurmeet Singh Kular, submitted a memorandum to the minister regarding the recently notified Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026.
Industry Anxieties Over Diesel Cap
Kular highlighted that the industry is troubled by the new restrictions that prohibit industrial and commercial consumers from purchasing diesel through retail outlets, coupled with a limit of 200 litres per vehicle per day. He emphasized that this would severely disrupt industrial operations, especially for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Most industries depend on retail fuel stations for their daily diesel needs due to the lack of dedicated consumer pumps or fuel storage infrastructure.
Call for Reconsideration
The industrialists pointed out that Ludhiana is one of the largest industrial hubs in northern India. While industries are keen to adopt cleaner fuels and support environmental initiatives, major industrial areas and focal points in Ludhiana remain without piped natural gas (PNG) connectivity, despite gas pipelines extending up to Doraha. Kular urged the minister to reconsider the notification, warning that otherwise the industry would face significant trouble.
PESO Container Availability Issue
A petrol dealer in Ludhiana noted that alongside the 200-litre cap, the government has mandated that fuel be supplied in PESO-approved containers. However, these containers are not readily available locally. The dealer argued that it is impractical for the entire industry to purchase expensive PESO-approved tanks compared to regular plastic tanks. He suggested that the government should first ensure an adequate supply of such containers before imposing restrictions.
The FICO delegation remains hopeful that the minister will address their concerns and provide relief to the industry, which is a vital part of Ludhiana's economy.
