Illegal sale of fuel rampant in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: Vendors are illegally selling fuel at roadside outlets, violating the rules and posing danger to passersby. Several outlets are filling petrol and diesel in 1-litre and half-litre pet bottles and  motorists are buying them at a premium as fuel stations are located far away. 

The practice, though for long, has suddenly caught the attention of the authorities, following reports of rampant fuel pilferage.

“Also, the fuel bound for government-run fuel stations is also pilfered on a large scale. The fuel is then sold to small outlets,” said TS Petroleum Dealers’ Association president Rajeev Amaram. 

The fuel is stored in small bottles and sold in Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Secunderabad, Tolichowki, Serilingampally, Alwal, Rajendranagar, Hayathnagar and Malakpet, to name a few.

As per the rules, sale of loose fuel is prohibited. “There is no guarantee that the fuel sold is genuine or adulterated. 

“The departments concerned should initiate action. A thorough probe will bring out the source of the fuel,” said Amaram. 

Vendors charge Rs 10 more than the existing market rates. Similarly, loose automobile oils are also being sold at various places. In the past, the police caught several gangs selling adulterated automobile oil.

Automobile engineer N. Satish said that adulterated fuels or lubricants led to engine failures if used continuously. 

An inspector with the commissioner’s task force said they conduct raids on the direction of the civil supplies department. 

“Actually, the civil supplies department monitors fuel. Whenever they approach us for assistance, we conduct joint operations. Otherwise, we independently raid such outlets when large scale fuel is stored illegally,” he said.