Centre clarifies policy on public use of petrol pump toilets; owners’ argument weakens, court intervention may change

KOCHI: The claim made by petrol pump owners that toilets at fuel stations cannot be opened to the public has lost ground after the central government issued a clarification. Minister of State for Petroleum Suresh Gopi informed Parliament yesterday that providing public toilets at petrol pumps is mandatory under the Dealer Selection Guidelines.

The refusal to open toilets at fuel stations to pedestrians and the public has been a matter of dispute. A related petition filed by the Petroleum Traders and Legal Services Authority is under the consideration of the High Court. On June 17, the court issued an interim order stating that toilets at petrol pumps should not be mandated for public use until further orders. The Centre’s clarification in the Lok Sabha has now provided further clarity on the matter.

According to the Centre, petroleum companies ensure the availability of public facilities during the consideration of retail outlet applications. Apart from the Dealer Selection Guidelines, the Marketing Discipline Guidelines and Universal Service Obligations also stipulate such provisions. The government has mandated that petroleum companies conduct periodic inspections of pumps and report any deficiencies. There is also an online grievance redressal mechanism available for consumers through both companies and the government.

Petrol pump owners had argued in the High Court that converting pump toilets for public use violates constitutionally guaranteed property rights and contradicts safety protocols mandated by the Explosives Department. However, the Centre countered that toilet facilities are essential for dealership approval.

Facilities mandated at petrol pumps (Central guidelines):

• Free air for tyres
• Safe drinking water
• Clean toilets
• Telephone facility

Number of petrol pumps (including private companies):

India: 85,529

Kerala: 2,658