No more limits: Normal Petrol and Diesel sales to resume on July 1

NEW DELHI: The central government has decided to completely lift the temporary restrictions imposed on the sale and distribution of petrol and diesel, effective from July 1. The decision follows a comprehensive review of the country’s petroleum supply, with the Ministry of Petroleum confirming that the current market situation has stabilised and no longer warrants emergency measures.

The precautionary curbs were initially introduced on June 12 in response to escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and subsequent shipping disruptions in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Implemented as a safeguard against potential domestic fuel shortages, hoarding, and black marketing, the measures were originally intended to remain in place for up to three months.

Under the June 12 directive, the government had restricted commercial and industrial establishments from purchasing fuel directly from retail pumps operated by public sector oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). These bulk consumers were instead directed to source their fuel requirements exclusively through wholesale distribution networks.

Additionally, the mandate had placed a strict daily cap of 200 litres per customer on the purchase of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) at retail outlets, while oil marketing firms and fuel retailers were ordered to restrict bulk purchasing channels for a 90-day window.

With the Ministry of Petroleum’s latest assessment indicating that the supply chain faces no immediate crisis, all retail fuel stations across the country will resume normal operations without any buyer restrictions or quantity caps starting this Wednesday.