Ranchi: The Jharkhand Petroleum Dealers Association (JPDA) on Monday urged the state government to ease the implementation of a recent order by the Centre on June 11, particularly regarding the cap on diesel sales and container requirements.
A delegation of the association met Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Minister Irfan Ansari and submitted a memorandum in this regard.
The revised order restricts diesel sales to 200 litres per consumer per day and mandates that diesel, apart from direct vehicle refuelling, be supplied only in Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)-approved containers.
Challenges Highlighted
JPDA President Ashok Kumar Singh said the provisions pose significant challenges. “Market complexes, hospitals, government establishments and small industries depend on petrol pumps for diesel supply. The new rules have created problems. The 200-litre limit is too low for many users, while the requirement of approved containers has created additional difficulties,” he said.
The association stated that numerous users, including educational institutions, hotels, banks, residential complexes, mobile tower operators, construction agencies and industrial units, could face difficulties in procuring diesel. Farmers may be particularly affected as they often buy diesel in small quantities for irrigation.
Container Shortage Concerns
JPDA members also flagged the limited availability of PESO-certified containers, warning that shortages could disrupt essential services and ongoing development projects.
In its memorandum, the association sought exemptions for agriculture, essential services, industries and development works, and permission to use safe alternative containers until approved ones are readily available.
Minister Ansari assured the delegation that the issue will be taken up with the Centre soon.
