Fuel machine racket: Centre ‘ignored’ state police inputs

Sarbjit Dhaliwal

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 30

The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is under fire for failing to curb tampering with fuel-dispensing machines despite inputs provided by the Punjab Police.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Uttar Pradesh Police recently arrested some persons who used to install remote-controlled chips in these machines to short-change customers at fuel stations. The UP cops found that at least 10 per cent fuel was under-delivered.

The Punjab Police had unearthed a similar racket in 2013-14 in Mansa district, where several fuel stations were found cheating customers by tinkering with the machines. A team led by the then district police chief Narinder Bhargav had arrested UP-based persons who used to install the chips. The police had conducted raids at Budhlada, Muktsar and other places. During the investigation, it had come to light that the racket had its roots in Uttar Pradesh. Top officials of the Union Ministry and the Weights and Measures Department had been alerted.

Demanding the Petroleum Minister’s resignation for failing to protect the interests of customers and curb the malpractice, Leader of the Opposition HS Phoolka said the authorities concerned should ensure the installation of tamper-proof fuel-dispensing machines.

Phoolka said action should also be taken against the officials of oil companies who had not taken corrective steps.

A senior officer of the Punjab Police said a majority of the fuel stations were owned by politicians or other influential people. “No official dares to inspect the machines due to the owners’ clout. The authorities concerned should publish a list of the fuel stations found defrauding customers every month,” the officer added.