Legal Metrology Dept seals 30 petrol stations in Valley for flouting norms

Jammu and Kashmir’s Legal Metrology Department has initiated major action against fuel pump owners selling petrol and diesel in violation of the Legal Metrology Act 2009, according to officials.

The department has sealed as many as 30 outlets in the Kashmir Valley.

An official statement said the action was part of a comprehensive effort to protect the interest of the consumers by ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules.

The statement said special inspection teams were constituted for this purpose by way of a special order issued by the Controller, Legal Metrology, and intensive inspection drives were carried out by the respective teams during which 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 the measuring devices.

Officials said the inspection teams carried out simultaneous raids in seven districts of Kashmir division where these outlets were operating illegally.

During the inspection, it was observed that these fuel dispensing units were operating without any authorisation either from the oil marketing companies or the Petroleum and Safety Organisation and the nozzles which were used for delivering fuel to consumers were found without any verification from the Legal Metrology Department.

The quantity of petrol or diesel which was paid by the consumers was not guaranteed to them in absence of the certification and checks by the concerned agencies, the spokesperson said.

The action was taken in the Budgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar and Anantnag, according to officials, adding that cases were registered against the owners/operators of these sealed petrol pumps and legal proceedings under the relevant sections of the Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules are underway.

Anuradha Gupta said the Legal Metrology Department will continue such drives to ensure compliance and deter future violations.

The department has urged consumers to be vigilant and report any short delivery at fuel stations to the department. The cooperation of consumers is vital in curbing illegal operations and ensuring fair and safe fuel distribution.