JAIPUR. The Government of Rajasthan has taken a stringent stand against petrol pump operators defrauding everyday consumers. Under the direct instructions of the Honorable Minister for Consumer Affairs Department, Shri Sumit Godara, a state-wide special surprise inspection drive was launched to protect public interest. The extensive raids conducted across 20 districts unearthed shocking irregularities, including fuel theft and blatant non-compliance with statutory regulations.
A 14-Day Mega Drive: 226 Petrol Pumps Screened
From May 5 to May 18, 23 specialized enforcement teams from the Consumer Affairs Department executed surprise raids across various regions of the state. During this period, the operational records and dispensing accuracy of a total of 226 petrol pumps were thoroughly checked.
The inspections revealed widespread violations, leading to immediate legal action against 110 petrol pumps under the Legal Metrology Act. The department also recovered a total fine of ₹2,21,500 from the defaulting stations.
Fuel Theft: Up to 120 ml Short-Supply per 5 Liters
The most alarming revelation of this enforcement drive was related to short delivery (dispensing less fuel than displayed). A total of 60 petrol pumps were caught short-changing consumers on petrol and diesel sales.
The Modus Operandi: The investigation teams found that several petrol pumps were dispensing 30 ml to 120 ml less fuel for every 5 liters purchased by consumers.
Taking immediate note of this serious malpractice, the department acted swiftly to seal (shut down) 103 fuel dispensing nozzles and slapped a penalty of ₹1,53,000 specifically for short delivery.
Public Defrauded of Lakhs Every Month
According to official departmental estimates, this calculated malpractice was causing massive financial dents to the public exchequer and common citizens:
- Daily Loss: Consumers were collectively being short-changed by nearly 211 liters of petrol/diesel every day, translating to an estimated daily loss of ₹21,100.
- Monthly Loss: On a monthly scale, this theft accumulated to a staggering 6,357 liters of fuel, draining approximately ₹6,35,700 out of consumers’ pockets every month.
District-Wise Enforcement Report (Nozzles Sealed)
The comprehensive breakdown of the crackdowns across various districts and the number of sealed nozzles is detailed in the table below:
| District | Penalized Petrol Pumps | Number of Nozzles Sealed |
| Jaipur | 3 | 12 |
| Nagaur | 4 | 11 |
| Barmer | 6 | 10 |
| Sirohi | 7 | 9 |
| Dausa | 2 | 7 |
| Bharatpur | 4 | 6 |
| Alwar | 2 | 5 |
| Jodhpur | 4 | 5 |
| Pali | 4 | 5 |
| Sikar | 1 | 4 |
| Ajmer | 3 | 4 |
| Bhilwara | 3 | 4 |
| Jaisalmer | 4 | 4 |
| Bikaner | 1 | 3 |
| Kota | 2 | 3 |
| Udaipur | 2 | 3 |
| Dungarpur | 3 | 3 |
| Jhalawar | 2 | 2 |
| Jhunjhunu | 2 | 2 |
| Sawai Madhopur | 1 | 1 |
Violation of Other Legal Metrology Norms
Apart from short delivery, 72 petrol pumps were caught violating other core statutory provisions of the Legal Metrology Rules. The major infractions included failing to get the mandatory 5-liter standard measure verified by authorities and not displaying the official verification certificates for public view. An additional fine of ₹68,500 was levied for these administrative lapses.
Stay Alert: Department Issues Public Appeal
The Consumer Affairs Department has strongly urged citizens to remain vigilant while refueling their vehicles. If there is ever a shred of doubt regarding the quantity of fuel being dispensed, consumers have the legal right to demand an immediate on-the-spot test using the certified 5-liter measure can mandatory at every station. Any instance of short-supply or refusal to comply should be reported immediately to the respective departmental office.
Disclaimer: This report has been compiled for informational purposes based on official press releases from the state consumer affairs department. Readers are requested to cross-reference updates with official government portals for absolute accuracy.
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