A significant lapse has come to light in the Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh, where vehicles in Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's convoy unexpectedly stalled mid-route. The incident occurred on June 26th near Dosigaon, after the vehicles had been refueled with diesel from the Shakti Fuel Point petrol pump. Following the sudden breakdown, security personnel had to push the vehicles to the side of the road. An investigation revealed that the diesel was contaminated with water. An FIR has been filed against the petrol pump operator following the incident.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has stated that heavy rainfall caused water to enter the fuel storage tanks, leading to the contamination of the diesel. Despite this explanation, the state government has taken the matter seriously and ordered inspections of all petrol pumps across the state.
Strict action to be taken against the guilty
Govind Singh Rajput, the state's Minister of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection, called the incident serious and directed thorough inspections of petrol pumps throughout Madhya Pradesh. He stated that providing consumers with quality fuel is a top priority for the state government and that such negligence will not be tolerated. Furthermore, officials have been instructed to coordinate with oil companies for prompt action.
The Food Department team from Ratlam district immediately inspected Shakti Fuel Point after the incident and collected diesel and petrol samples, sending them to the BPCL lab in Indore. Without waiting for the investigation report, the administration filed an FIR under Section 3/7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, as per the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply, Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 2005. In addition, 5,995 liters of petrol and 10,657 liters of diesel at the pump were seized, and the petrol pump was sealed.
Orders for online monitoring and regular inspection
Rashmi Arun Shami, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection, has taken a stern stance on the entire matter. On June 27th, she held a meeting with senior officials from Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL and issued clear instructions for the inspection of all petrol pumps in the state, considering the monsoon season.
The Additional Chief Secretary stated that the inspections should examine the underground tanks for water leakage and that any irregularities found should be rectified immediately. Furthermore, it should also be ensured that the inspection reports of each petrol pump are recorded online periodically to maintain transparency in the entire process.
She has directed all district magistrates to form joint teams of food, revenue, weights and measures, and oil company officials in their districts to inspect the petrol pumps. The main objective is to provide consumers with pure and quality fuel.
Government's strictness increases administrative alert
Following the state government's strict action, the district administration and departmental officials have become alert. This incident not only exposes an administrative lapse but has also become an important matter concerning the safety and quality of service for ordinary consumers. The government's stance is clear: strict action will be taken against any pump found involved in adulteration or negligence.
