Mumbai/New Delhi: Amid a growing shift by industrial and commercial consumers to retail fuel stations to take advantage of lower prices, govt Friday issued fresh directions to limit bulk purchase and sale of petroleum products.The new directions aimed at preventing hoarding and diversion of fuel supplies meant for ordinary customers put specific limits on diesel that can be sold to a single customer from pumps. No more than 200 litres of diesel can be sold per day, per customer, per vehicle and resale of such diesel is prohibited. The order restricts sales at fuel stations to vehicle tanks or Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)-approved containers.It also reiterates that institutional, industrial and commercial customers should tap bulk channels and not purchase fuel from retail outlets. Bulk diesel currently costs Rs 35-40 a litre more than retail diesel.The directions came after the Union petroleum ministry notified the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026, creating a legal framework under which restrictions can be imposed on fuel procurement.The Maharashtra Govt Resolution said “geopolitical developments” have affected supply of petroleum products. The GR said in some districts, industrial customers have been purchasing diesel in large quantities from retail petrol/diesel sales centres, for which the govt had issued a circular on June 5 to curb the practice. Hoarding and black marketing, unauthorized filling of fuel in tankers/bowlers from pumps, fuel adulteration and charging higher price than prescribed price are issues that were being tackled, it added.Transporters reacted to the new order saying while the step is aimed at ensuring equitable availability, there is need for clarification regarding the restrictions. Bal Malkit Singh from the All India Motor Transport Congress, said, “Long-haul commercial vehicles often have fuel tank capacities higher than 200 litres. Operational restrictions affecting genuine commercial transport vehicles may impact fleet efficiency, vehicle turnaround time and supply chain performance.” He said some heavy vehicles may need 300 litres and more of diesel during refuelling.Singh urged govt and Oil Marketing Companies to issue suitable operational guidelines and exemptions for commercial vehicles engaged in goods transportation, essential commodities movement, export-import logistics and other critical supply chain activities.An unusual surge has been recorded in fuel sales at retail outlets across the country in May compared with April. Diesel sales rose more than 30% in 156 districts, with six districts recording growth of over 100%. Petrol sales at PSU-run fuel stations increased more than 30% in 150 districts, while 14 districts reported growth exceeding 100%.Officials attributed the increase partly to agricultural demand and partly to bulk consumers shifting to retail outlets. Bulk diesel sales have declined by 38% at private sector outlets and 29% at state-run oil marketing companies’ outlets.
