Srinagar, Jan 16: In a significant enforcement drive, the Legal Metrology Department, under the close supervision of Anuradha Gupta, Controller of Legal Metrology J&K, sealed 30 petrol pumps today that were found selling petrol and diesel in violation of the Legal Metrology Act 2009.
This action was taken as part of a comprehensive effort to protect consumer interests by ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules. Specially constituted teams from the Legal Metrology Department conducted simultaneous inspections across seven districts in the Kashmir division, where these outlets were operating illegally.
Earlier, special inspection teams were formed through a special order issued by the Controller of Legal Metrology, and intensive inspection drives were carried out by the respective teams today. During these inspections, it was found that these illegal fuel outlets were violating key legal standards and regulatory norms, including the use of unverified nozzles and tampering with measuring devices. It was observed that these fuel dispensing units were operating without authorization from either the Oil Marketing Companies or the Petroleum and Safety Organization. Additionally, the nozzles used to dispense fuel to consumers were found to be unverified by the Legal Metrology Department. As a result, the quantity of petrol or diesel delivered to consumers was not guaranteed due to the lack of certification and checks by the concerned agencies. In light of these findings, all such dispensing units were sealed today in Budgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar, and Anantnag. Cases have been registered against the owners/operators of the sealed petrol pumps, and legal proceedings under the relevant sections of the Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules are underway.
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The order issued by Anuradha Gupta mentioned that reports had been received regarding various outlets operating in Kashmir Valley in contravention of Sections 24, 12, 30, and 26 of the Legal Metrology Act 2009. These violations not only go against the interests of consumers but also pose serious public safety hazards, as the outlets are operating without the necessary safety standards required by the Petroleum and Safety Organization. The order further stated that these outlets were operating in violation of the terms and conditions laid down under Rule 141 of the Petroleum Rules, along with the associated Form XIII & Article 4 therein. This non-compliance with the Legal Metrology Act and the rules compromises transparency and consumer interests. The breach of Petroleum Rules further jeopardizes the safe handling and storage of flammable substances like petrol and diesel.
Anuradha Gupta said, “The Legal Metrology Department has been receiving complaints of short delivery and overcharging from aggrieved consumers. It was found that these outlets were operating illegally. Therefore, special teams were constituted to inspect and take action under the law. We will continue such drives to ensure compliance and deter future violations. Consumers are also advised to get fuel only from authorized outlets.” The department urges consumers to be vigilant and report any short deliveries at fuel stations to the department. Consumer cooperation is vital in curbing illegal operations and ensuring fair and safe fuel distribution.
It is pertinent to mention that the Legal Metrology Department recently carried out a major crackdown on illegal helmet sellers across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir, during which around 5,000 helmets were seized for not meeting legal requirements.
