Govt bars vehicle to get more than 200 Litre Diesel [Read Notification]

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a new order to ensure the uninterrupted availability of petrol (Motor Spirit) and diesel (High-Speed Diesel) across the country amid global uncertainties affecting fuel supplies.

The government said that ongoing geopolitical tensions in some parts of the world have disrupted international petroleum supply chains and shipping logistics. At the same time, unusually high fuel purchases have been noticed at retail fuel stations in certain regions, mainly because industrial and commercial consumers are buying fuel from petrol pumps instead of through their regular bulk supply channels due to price differences.

According to the government, this trend can reduce fuel availability for ordinary consumers, transport operators, farmers, emergency services, and other essential sectors. There are also fears of hoarding, diversion and misuse of fuel supplies.

To resolve the challenge, the Central Government has issued the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026 which has come into force immediately on its publication in the Official Gazette.

Key Restrictions

Under the new order:

• Industrial, commercial and institutional consumers will not be allowed to purchase petrol or diesel from retail fuel stations. They must meet their fuel requirements through their own approved consumer pumps or bulk supply arrangements.
• Diesel sales at petrol pumps will be restricted. Dealers can dispense diesel only into:
  Vehicle fuel tanks, or
  Containers approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
• A customer or vehicle cannot purchase more than 200 litres of diesel per day from a retail outlet. The purchased diesel cannot be resold.
• Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and petrol pump dealers have been directed to ensure strict compliance and prevent attempts to bypass these restrictions.

Duration of the Restrictions

Any such restriction order can initially remain in force for a maximum of 90 days unless withdrawn earlier. If the government considers it necessary to continue the restrictions, it must issue a fresh extension order specifying the extended period.

Exemptions Possible

The government has retained the power to grant exemptions to specific consumers, categories of consumers, regions, or transactions through special orders.

Enforcement Measures

Authorized government officers, police officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police and above, and designated oil company officials will have powers of search and seizure to check compliance with the order.

Role of States

State Governments and Union Territory Administrations have been instructed to take necessary action against the following:

• Hoarding,
• Black marketing,
• Unauthorized fuel procurement,
• Diversion of supplies, and
• Other fuel-related malpractices.

Penalties

Anyone violating the provisions of the order may face action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, as well as other applicable laws.

Why This Order Matters

The government says the move is a precautionary step to ensure that petrol and diesel remain available to the general public and essential services during a period of uncertainty in global fuel markets. The objective is to prevent bulk buyers from consuming supplies meant for regular retail customers and to avoid local fuel shortages.