Imphal: Manipur's Churachandpur District Magistrate (DM) has banned the sale of petrol and diesel in loose containers, including jerrycans and plastic bottles, with immediate effect to curb hoarding, black marketing, and panic buying.
Dharun Kumar S, DM, in an order, mandated that fuel must be dispensed directly into vehicle tanks under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
The measure is designed to combat artificial shortages created by hoarding and black marketing, which are often dealt with under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act.
All retail outlets must maintain daily stock registers for inspection, ensure fair sales without discrimination, and prevent diversion of supplies.
The administration cited safety risks, including fire hazards, and warned of strict legal action against violators, stating that unauthorized selling poses risks of fire and leakage.
All retail outlets (petrol pumps) within the district have been instructed to ensure fair and orderly sale of petrol and diesel to the public without discrimination, and to avoid hoarding or diversion of stock, ensuring continuous availability during notified operating hours.
The DM also advised the public to refrain from panic buying of petroleum products, stating that while the situation in the Middle East has impacted global fuel markets, planned management and steady supply have minimized the effect in India.
He added that there is adequate stock of fuel available in the district.