District Magistrate orders sale of limited quantity of petrol and diesel

Dharamsala, January 2, 2023: District Magistrate Kangra, Dr. Nipun Jindal, has issued a directive to petrol pump operators in the district, urging them to maintain a minimum reserve of petrol and diesel to address potential emergency needs during the ongoing truck drivers' strike. This measure is implemented to mitigate the anticipated shortage of petrol and diesel supply in the district, with a focus on safeguarding emergency and essential services.

As per the directive, petrol pump operators are instructed to maintain a minimum reserve for emergency needs, aligning with the storage capacity of the pump. For pumps with a storage capacity exceeding 25,000 liters, the order mandates a reserve of 3000 liters of diesel and 2000 liters of petrol. Similarly, for pumps with a storage capacity below 25,000 liters, the requirement is 2000 liters of diesel and 1000 liters of petrol.

Additionally, the directive outlines that no dealer should refill more than 10 liters at a time, and in cases of urgency, prior approval from the respective SDM is mandatory. Carrying petrol and diesel in any type of container is strictly prohibited. Priority will be given to emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire brigades, etc.) and public transport for refueling. Stringent measures will be taken against hoarding and black marketing of petrol and diesel during this period.

Any violations of the order will lead to legal consequences under Section 3(1) (c) of the Himachal Pradesh Hoarding and Profiteering Enforcement Order 1977.

The ongoing nationwide strike by truck operators is also affecting Himachal, The operators protesting amendments in the Motor Vehicles Act related to hit-and-run cases, has disrupted the supply of petrol and diesel into its second day. Concurrently, private bus drivers are also on strike in HP for the second day, impacting travel, especially for rural residents and school children, with Transport Corporation buses operating in limited numbers.