New Delhi: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued an advisory urging citizens not to store petrol or diesel in loose or inappropriate containers, stressing that such practices pose serious safety risks.
The advisory comes amid growing concerns among the public regarding fuel supply due to escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Authorities clarified that petrol and diesel are adequately available at retail outlets across the country and that there is no need for panic buying or unsafe storage.
In a post shared on the social media platform X on Saturday, the ministry reassured consumers about the availability of fuel while warning against unsafe handling practices.
“Petrol and diesel are adequately available at retail outlets across the country. Consumers are advised not to take or store fuel in loose or inappropriate containers, as it poses serious safety risks,” the ministry said.
Advisory issued after safety violation
The warning was issued after authorities detected a violation at a petrol pump in Tamil Nadu where petrol was reportedly being dispensed into a loose container.
According to the ministry, such practices are strictly against safety regulations governing the storage and transportation of highly flammable fuels.
“It has come to notice that at one retail outlet in Tamil Nadu, petrol was being taken in a loose container, which is unsafe and not advisable,” the ministry stated in its advisory.
Officials emphasised that petrol and diesel must only be dispensed into approved fuel tanks or certified containers that comply with safety standards.
Petrol pump suspended for violating rules
Following the detection of the violation, authorities took immediate action against the petrol pump involved in the incident.
The ministry confirmed that the retail outlet had been suspended for failing to follow established safety guidelines.
Officials said appropriate action has also been initiated against the operators responsible for the breach of rules.
The ministry noted that fuel retail outlets are required to strictly follow operational safety protocols to prevent fire hazards and other potential risks associated with fuel handling.
Strict instructions to fuel dealers
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has directed all fuel retail outlets and dealers across the country to strictly adhere to safety regulations while dispensing petrol and diesel.
The circular issued by the ministry emphasised that petrol pumps must ensure fuel is not dispensed into unsafe containers or in a manner that violates safety standards.
Authorities warned that strict action will be taken against any retail outlet found violating these guidelines.
“All retail outlets and dealers have been instructed to strictly follow safety guidelines while dispensing fuel. Any violation will invite strict action,” the advisory added.
Public urged not to panic
Officials reiterated that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in the country and urged the public not to panic amid international developments.
Concerns about fuel availability have emerged in some areas due to tensions in West Asia, which have raised fears about possible disruptions to global energy supplies.
However, the government has assured that India’s fuel distribution network is functioning normally and that retail outlets have adequate stocks.
Experts warn that storing petrol in loose containers not only violates safety norms but can also lead to accidents, including fires or explosions, especially if the fuel is stored improperly.
Conclusion
The advisory from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas aims to reassure the public about fuel availability while promoting safe practices in handling petrol and diesel.
Authorities have urged citizens to avoid unsafe storage methods and rely on authorised retail outlets for fuel purchases. The ministry has also warned that strict action will continue to be taken against any petrol pumps or dealers found violating safety guidelines.