The Union Petroleum Ministry has instructed oil marketing companies to regulate diesel sales at petrol pumps, capping supply at 200 litres per customer or vehicle per day.
The move comes amid concerns over crude oil shortages in the international market due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Several countries have raised fuel prices and introduced restrictions on usage.
In India, the Centre bears the subsidy burden for domestic LPG cylinders as well as petrol and diesel sold at subsidised rates, but officials say some buyers have been purchasing unusually large quantities and stocking fuel due to panic.
Under the new directions, bulk consumers and customers linked to industrial and commercial establishments should not buy petrol or diesel from retail pumps and must procure directly from oil companies. Petrol pumps have also been told to dispense diesel only into vehicles, and resale of such fuel is prohibited.
Oil companies have been asked to ensure petrol pumps comply with the restrictions. State government officials and oil company teams have been advised to conduct inspections and take action against hoarding and black-market sales.
