The four public sector oil marketing companies have suggested significant amendments and additions to the new marketing discipline guidelines announced by the government in April last providing punitive action against erring dealers and distributors of controlled petroleum products.
The amendments have been forwarded to the petroleum ministry for approval. These amendments will take effect only after the approval is granted by the ministry.
The oil PSUs have pointed out that certain major malpractices such as tampered totaliser seals and stock variation beyond permissible limited had been left out in the marketing discipline guidelines announced in April.
It has been recommended that the punishment for the first instance of tampered totaliser seal should be a fine of Rs 10,000 and suspension of sale and supplies of all products for 15 days.
In the second instance, the fine should be raised to Rs 25,000 and suspension of sale and supplies of all products for 30 days, while in the third instance, the penalty should be the termination of dealership.
For stock variation (both positive and negative) of motor spirit and high-speed diesel beyond permissible limits, the oil industry has suggested that sales and supplies should not be suspended. However, samples should be drawn as per the sampling procedure and sent for testing.
In case the sample fails, the industry says, action as recommended for adulteration of MS and HSD should be taken by the government.
However, if the sample passes but the dealer
