New Delhi, June 12 (APAC Media): The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Thursday issued the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, enabling authorities to regulate the supply of petrol and diesel through retail outlets in specified circumstances, according to an official notification.
The Centre has issued an order allowing it to temporarily restrict bulk purchases of petrol and diesel from retail fuel outlets to curb diversion of supplies and safeguard fuel availability for retail consumers in the event of disruptions to global petroleum supply chains.
The order enables the government, through a general or special direction, to require industrial, commercial and institutional consumers to source their fuel requirements only through designated consumer pumps instead of retail outlets.
It also provides that retail outlet dealers may be directed to dispense high-speed diesel only into vehicle tanks or Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)-approved containers, subject to a limit of 200 litres per day per customer or vehicle.
The ministry said the move comes against the backdrop of prevailing geopolitical developments affecting parts of the world, which have impacted international petroleum supply chains, shipping logistics and the availability of petroleum products.
According to the notification, authorities have observed abnormal increases in sales of petrol and diesel at retail outlets in certain regions due to industrial and commercial consumers shifting purchases from bulk channels to retail pumps because of differences between retail and bulk fuel prices.
Such procurement through retail outlets could divert supplies meant for ordinary consumers, create localised shortages and disrupt essential services, the government said.
“The order is intended to ensure equitable availability of motor fuels, prevent diversion and hoarding, and maintain uninterrupted supplies across the country in the event of extraordinary market conditions,” an official statement said.
Any restriction imposed under the order can remain in force for an initial period of up to 90 days unless revoked earlier. Extensions, if required, will need to be notified through a separate order.
The notification also authorises designated government officials and oil company officers to conduct searches and seizures to ensure compliance. Violations of the order will attract action under the Essential Commodities Act and other applicable laws.
The government may also exempt specific consumers, regions or categories of transactions from the provisions of the order through a special direction.
–ENDS–
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