In a major operation, Legal Metrology Department under the supervision of Anuradha Gupta, Controller Legal Metrology, Jammu & Kashmir, sealed 30 unauthorized petrol and diesel outlets across Valley in a single day.
The crackdown was against the fuel stations which were violating the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and Petroleum Rules.
This big operation was to protect consumer interest by ensuring compliance of legal and safety standards. Special teams conducted simultaneous raids in 7 districts including Budgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar and Anantnag.
The inspection found that these outlets were selling fuel through unverified nozzles and tampered measuring devices and violating the basic norms. Also the fuel stations were without authorization from Oil Marketing Companies or Petroleum and Safety Organization and their dispensing equipment were without verification from Legal Metrology Department.
The lack of proper certification and monitoring raised serious doubts about the quantity of fuel being supplied to the consumers. Therefore all the identified outlets were sealed and legal proceedings under relevant sections of Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules have been initiated against the owners and operators.
The order stated violation of sections 12, 24, 26 and 30 of Legal Metrology Act, 2009. It said these unauthorized outlets not only compromise consumer interest but also pose serious public safety risk as they are not complying with the safety standards of Petroleum and Safety Organization.
The breach also contravened Rule 141 of Petroleum Rules and other related provisions and compromise the safe handling and storage of flammable substances like petrol and diesel.
Anuradha Gupta said Legal Metrology Department will continue to conduct such drives to ensure strict compliance and prevent future violations. "Consumers should buy fuel only from authorized outlets", she said and appealed public to be vigilant and cooperative.
