Misleading messages blamed for fuel panic
MAPUSA: Long queues at petrol pumps across parts of Goa have raised concerns, with consumer forum GOACAN attributing the rush to panic buying triggered by misleading messages circulating on social media.
GOACAN convenor Roland Martins said that false and unverified forwards on WhatsApp have created unnecessary anxiety among the public, leading to a surge in demand for petrol and diesel.
“There are misleading messages being widely circulated, which have caused panic among people. This is the reason we are seeing such a rush at fuel stations,” Martins said.
He pointed out that the central government has already clarified its position regarding the rumours and assured that there is no shortage of fuel supply. Martins urged citizens not to fall prey to unverified information and to rely only on official communication.
MARGAO
In an action aimed at curbing hoarding and black marketing, the State government has strictly prohibited the sale of petrol and diesel in loose form in cans, bottles or any containers brought by customers at the petrol pumps.
In an order issued on Friday, the District Collectors said that petrol and diesel shall be dispensed only directly into the fuel tanks of vehicles, strictly adhering to prescribed safety norms and guidelines.
The directions have been issued to all Retail Outlet Dealers (petrol pumps) to ensure strict compliance with the order and relevant statutory provisions. Any violation of this order, the Collectors have warned, shall attract action under relevant provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (including action for black-marketing/hoarding, etc.); the Petroleum Act, 1934 and Petroleum Rules, 2002 (including suspension/cancellation of licence); Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 for disobedience of lawful order, and any other applicable law in force.
The Collectors have issued directions to the Superintendents of Police, all police stations, and all Sub Divisional Magistrates to ensure strict enforcement of the order, and to conduct surprise inspections to ensure compliance.
The order follows reports of the sale of petrol and diesel in loose quantities in cans and containers by retail fuel outlets. “Such practices pose a serious risk to public safety, including fire hazards, unlawful storage, hoarding, black-marketing, and possible misuse of petroleum products,” the Collectors said.
They stated that it is necessary to regulate and control such sale of petroleum products in the interest of public safety, maintenance of law and order, and to ensure compliance with statutory safety norms.
----
