Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Minister Govind Singh Rajput has directed a comprehensive inspection of all petrol pumps across the State following a recent incident in Ratlam where vehicles, including those in Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s convoy, stalled due to water-contaminated diesel from a Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) pump, Shakti Fuel Point in Dosigaon.

 

Rajput emphasised the need to ensure consumers receive high-quality petrol and diesel, instructing senior officials to co-ordinate with oil companies for necessary action. The Ratlam incident prompted immediate action by district food department officials, who inspected the pump and sent petrol and diesel samples to BPCL’s Mangalia lab in Indore for testing. An FIR was filed against the pump operator under Section 377 of the Essential Commodities

 

Act, 1955, and the Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply and Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 2005. The pump’s stock, 5,995 litres of petrol and 10,657 litres of diesel, was seized, and the facility was sealed. On June 27, Additional Chief Secretary Rashmi Arun Shami held a meeting with representatives from Indian Oil Corporation, BPCL, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, ordering BPCL to submit a detailed investigation report promptly.

 

Considering the rainy season, oil companies were directed to inspect all petrol pumps using a prescribed checklist to ensure underground tanks are free from water seepage. Shami mandated daily and periodic inspections, with reports logged online, and instructed the development of software to streamline the process. Oil company representatives assured no future lapses and committed to rigorous pump inspections.

 

Instructions were issued to ensure civic amenities like free air, drinking water, and separate, clean toilets for men and women at all pumps. District collectors were tasked with forming teams of food, revenue, weights and measures, and oil company officials to verify compliance and ensure quality fuel supply. Food Commissioner Karmveer Sharma was present during the discussions.