EC Bans Sale of Loose Petrol, Diesel in AP

Vijayawada: Election authorities in Andhra Pradesh have banned loose sale of petrol and diesel in bottles, containers and drums up to June 10 as part of implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

Following the ban, fuel will be filled at petrol pumps only in the fuel tanks of vehicles.

The measure has been taken in the wake of AP witnessing violence during the polls on May 13 and also after the polls. Petrol bombs have been hurled mainly in Macherla area of Palnadu. Authorities have also seized loose petrol stocks in the area.

Election authorities have thus decided to initiate several steps to check such kind of violence.

Accordingly, following a directive from chief electoral officer Mukesh Kumar Meena, district collectors have ordered managements of petrol bunks not to sell petrol and diesel in bottles, drums and other containers. They have warned that any lose sale will lead to cancellation of the license.

AP has nearly 3,500 petrol bunks, which sell 9,000–10,000 kilolitres of diesel and 5,000–6,000 kilolitres of petrol per day in the state.

Petroleum dealers maintain that they sell diesel in containers to several industrial units, including aquaculture farms, to operate their machinery. Similarly, the fuel is also sold to hospitals, public / private offices, commercial complexes and heavy earth moving machines, so that they can operate without any interruption.

AP Federation of Petroleum Traders general secretary P. Ravi Kumar said, “We will follow the directions of the election authorities on sale of petrol and diesel. However, we intend to request them to permit sale of diesel in loose quantities, so that certain industries and establishments can run.”

Curbs on fuel sales till June 10 come in the wake of counting of votes in the assembly and parliamentary general elections on June 4. Results are to be announced thereafter. Political party that secures a majority of seats will then stake claim to form the government. Election authorities have thus imposed curbs on sale of fuel till June 10.