Centre Restricts Bulk Fuel Purchases from Retail Petrol Pumps Amid Supply Concerns

The Central Government has imposed temporary restrictions on the purchase of large quantities of petrol and diesel from retail fuel stations in response to rising concerns over fuel supply and global geopolitical tensions. Under the new directive, industrial, commercial, and institutional consumers will no longer be permitted to procure fuel from regular petrol pumps. Instead, they must obtain their requirements exclusively through authorized bulk sale points. The move comes amid growing uncertainty in global energy markets due to tensions in the Middle East.

The restrictions will remain in force for an initial period of 90 days and may be extended if necessary. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, industrial consumers had increasingly shifted to retail outlets due to a significant price difference between retail and bulk fuel markets. To prevent shortages for ordinary consumers, the government has capped diesel purchases at retail outlets to a maximum of 200 litres per vehicle or customer per day. Fuel sales will be restricted to vehicle fuel tanks or containers approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). The government stated that the measures are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability, preventing hoarding, and curbing black-market activities.