State tells bulk diesel users to buy directly from OMCs, not retail pumps

Pune: A state govt circular issued on Friday clarified that commercial and industrial consumers requiring large quantities of fuel are expected to procure diesel directly from oil marketing companies, rather than retail petrol pumps.The circular was issued by the food, civil supplies and consumer protection department in an effort to prevent diversion and unauthorised fuel purchases.It cited a surge in diesel demand and concerns that some industrial and bulk consumers were purchasing fuel from retail outlets, instead of through authorised oil marketing company (OMC) bulk-supply channels, allegedly because retail diesel was cheaper.The circular directed authorities to ensure that bulk consumers procure fuel through OMC direct-sales mechanisms and warned that action could be taken against both retail outlets and bulk consumers found violating the norms.The circular also instructed officials to closely monitor retail outlets showing sudden and abnormal increases in fuel sales and check hoarding, black marketing, diversion and unauthorised fuel transport.Responding to queries from TOI, a spokesperson from the state-level coordinator for oil marketing companies said institutions with regular bulk fuel requirements should approach the OMCs’ bulk and industrial sales channels, which can provide authorised doorstep delivery.The circular, however, also stated that diesel supply to hospitals and agricultural users should continue based on genuine requirements and appropriate verification.