Govt empowers itself to restrict bulk fuel purchases from retail pumps

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NEW DELHI: Amid a growing shift by industrial and commercial consumers to retail fuel stations to take advantage of lower prices, govt has empowered itself to temporarily restrict bulk purchases of petrol and diesel from pumps during periods of supply stress to prevent shortages, hoarding and diversion of supplies meant for ordinary consumers. The petroleum ministry has notified the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026, creating a legal framework under which restrictions can be imposed on fuel procurement through retail outlets whenever deemed necessary in public interest. Institutional, industrial and commercial consumers can be directed not to procure petrol or diesel from retail outlets and instead source their requirements through authorised bulk channels. Retail outlets may be barred from selling more than 200 litres of diesel to a customer or vehicle in a day, while fuel procured under the provision cannot be resold. The framework does not impose any immediate nationwide restrictions and would be invoked only if required. Any order issued under it can remain in force for up to 90 days initially and may be extended later.