Government Restricts Industrial and Commercial Purchase of Fuels Amid Supply Concerns

The Indian government has implemented a significant policy shift by prohibiting industrial and commercial consumers from purchasing petrol and diesel at retail outlets. This decision, announced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Thursday, comes in response to supply chain disruptions linked to ongoing conflicts in West Asia, which have adversely impacted global fuel supplies.

Under the new directive, which will remain effective for a period of 90 days unless revoked earlier, industrial and commercial consumers are mandated to source fuel exclusively from dedicated supply channels. Importantly, these consumers are not permitted to resell the fuel obtained through these channels. The move aims to address the rising concerns regarding fuel availability for retail consumers, who have been experiencing shortages due to a surge in demand from commercial entities.

The ministry highlighted that recent data indicated a notable increase in the sales of petrol and diesel at retail outlets, a trend attributed to businesses opting to purchase fuel from these outlets due to price discrepancies with bulk purchasing options. This shift has been causing fuel meant for everyday consumers to be redirected, thereby raising alarms regarding potential local shortages and disruptions to essential services.

The directive underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a stable fuel supply amidst a challenging global landscape, where the war in West Asia has strained fuel shipping and availability. The Ministry emphasized the importance of prudent management of existing fuel supplies and the necessity for formal measures to tackle unpredictable market conditions.

In light of these developments, consumers are urged to remain informed as the government monitors the situation closely. While fuel prices have seen an increase of Rs 7.5 per liter in recent weeks, the new measure is aimed at preserving the integrity of retail supply while navigating through these turbulent times. The government’s proactive stance reflects a broader strategy to maintain order and ensure that essential services remain uninterrupted in the face of external pressures.

Source: scroll.in