All petrol pumps in Bhilwara district, Rajasthan, have been closed indefinitely starting Monday following a strike called by the Bhilwara Petroleum Dealer Society. The strike is in response to alleged unethical inspection practices and objectionable social media comments targeting pump owners.
The decision to shut down the petrol pumps was made during a Society meeting held on Sunday. Society Secretary Ashok Kumar Mundra stated that the sale of petrol and diesel at all fuel stations in the district was halted from 9 a.m. on Monday.
Dealers initiated the strike to protest objectionable social media remarks against petrol pump owners and what they perceive as unethical inspection procedures that have tarnished their reputation. They plan to present a memorandum to the district administration outlining their demands and grievances.
The Society’s move comes after surprise inspections were conducted at various petrol pumps in Bhilwara following directions from Rajasthan’s Minister for Consumer Affairs, Sumit Godara. The inspections, carried out under the Legal Metrology Act, revealed a 30 millilitre fuel shortage in a standard 5-litre measurement, a claim disputed by the Dealers’ Society.
According to the Society, variations in fuel measurements are permissible within government norms, with a tolerance of up to 25 millilitres in a 5-litre measurement. Dealers argue that the testing process during the inspections was flawed and could lead to misleading results, not necessarily indicating under-delivery to consumers.
Petrol pump owners also raised concerns about what they termed a “media trial,” objecting to the circulation of derogatory comments against them on various media platforms before any legal determination of wrongdoing. They demanded immediate legal action against those spreading false information and making objectionable remarks on social media.
The Society, represented by office-bearers including President Zahir Hussain, Secretary Ashok Kumar Mundra, and Treasurer Dinesh Bhagat, emphasized their faith in the judicial system but insisted on protection against public defamation. They have announced that petrol pumps in Bhilwara will remain closed until their demands are met.
Officials from the Rajasthan Ministry for Consumer Affairs reported that four fuel nozzles at three petrol pumps in Bhilwara district were sealed due to discrepancies in fuel dispensing. Deepak Petroleum, Shiv Indian Oil, and Shri Shyam Filling Station were allegedly delivering less petrol than the prescribed quantity, leading to the sealing of the fuel nozzles.
