Churachandpur: District magistrate Dharun Kumar S has issued fresh orders regulating the sale and distribution of petrol and diesel in Churachandpur district, citing reports of black-marketing and uneven supply.The order, issued on Wednesday under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, came into force with immediate effect and will remain in place until further notice.“It has been brought to the notice of the undersigned that there is a likelihood of hoarding, black-marketing, and uneven distribution of petroleum products,” the order stated.Regulation was deemed necessary “to ensure equitable distribution and availability of petrol and diesel to the general public and to prevent unsafe and unauthorised storage”.The directive instructs petrol pump owners to conduct a “fair and orderly sale of petrol and diesel to the public without discrimination” and to “avoid hoarding or diversion of stock”. They must also ensure “continuous availability during notified operating hours”.The order further prohibits loose sales, stating, “Sale or delivery of petrol/diesel in loose containers such as jerkins, bottles, cans, or similar vessels is hereby strictly prohibited.” The only exception will be upon “production of valid written authorisation from a competent authority specifying the purpose and quantity”.Proprietors of filling stations have been directed to maintain daily stock and sales registers and produce them for inspection by authorised officers on demand.Violations will be punishable under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, “in addition to any other action permissible under law,” the order warned.The directive applies to all proprietors of oil filling stations in Churachandpur district. The district supply officer has been instructed to ensure strict compliance.
