Security of Fuel Outlets: Petrol Agents Association Urges DGP
Tamil Nadu: The Petrol Dealers Association has written a letter to the DGP, urging him to provide police protection to fuel retail outlets across Tamil Nadu.
In this regard, the letter sent by K.P. Murali, President of the Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers Association, to the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu Police Department, reads as follows: There are over 7,000 fuel retail outlets—including those selling petrol and diesel—located throughout Tamil Nadu. Due to an ‘artificial demand’ triggered by the conflict involving Iran, these fuel outlets are witnessing massive crowds. In particular, many individuals are insisting on being dispensed petrol and diesel in plastic containers and unsafe vessels.
Dispensing petrol in unauthorized bottles and containers is a violation of the Petroleum Act and associated rules. This poses a significant risk of fire hazards within residential areas.
Police Protection: In several locations, when outlet employees refuse to dispense fuel into such containers, they face threats. In some instances, they have even been physically assaulted. In certain areas, the situation has escalated into a law-and-order issue. We have officially instructed our members not to dispense petrol into containers. To ensure safety, police protection should be provided to fuel retail outlets situated in urban areas for the next few days. The letter further emphasizes that the Police Department must intervene immediately to ensure the smooth distribution of fuel.
