Chhattisgarh Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) firebrand spokesman Gouri Shanker Shrivas has levelled serious allegations against two petrol pumps in Raipur, accusing them of compelling customers to purchase costly power petrol despite availability of normal petrol stock. The allegations surfaced after Shrivas conducted an inspection at Shankar Nagar-based Risen Fuel and Anjar Fuel petrol pumps and examined stock registers, sales bills and related records. Shrivas alleged that during inspection at one of the fuel stations, nearly 2,800 litres of normal petrol was found available in stock, but customers were allegedly being informed that regular petrol was unavailable and were instead supplied power petrol at higher rates. He termed the practice as exploitation of consumers during difficult economic conditions and accused fuel station operators of taking undue advantage of customers. Several vehicle owners also alleged that they were not informed before power petrol was filled in their vehicles. According to customers, many realised only after checking payment bills that higher-priced fuel had been supplied.

 

Daily commuters and middle-class consumers claimed such practices were increasing their financial burden amid already rising fuel costs. Shrivas further claimed that similar complaints were emerging not only from Raipur but also from rural parts of Chhattisgarh, where consumers were allegedly being denied regular petrol on the pretext of non-availability. He alleged that the practice amounted to violation of consumer rights and demanded immediate intervention by the State Government. Demanding immediate Government intervention, BJP spokesman Gouri Shanker Shrivas said if normal petrol was available in stock, compelling consumers to purchase costly power petrol amounted to “systematic exploitation of common citizens for additional profit.” He urged the State Government to conduct a detailed inquiry into the functioning of petrol pumps and ensure strict action against operators found violating consumer rights and fuel supply norms.