Pune: 550 Petrol Pump Owners Opposing Demand For Municipal Stock License

Pune, 17th January 2023: In 1992, the Bombay High Court gave a verdict that the petrol pump owners don’t need to obtain a separate stock license from the Municipal Corporation. The Petrol Dealers Association of Pune has taken the stand that no new license should be issued based on this result. Meanwhile, the Fire Brigade Department will now have to update this information on its own, considering both the administration and dealer association sides.

An action was taken to seal the pumps by asking the petrol pump owners about obtaining a stock license from the Municipal Corporation. A suit was filed against the same in the Bombay High Court. In 1992, the Bombay High Court had given its verdict in this case.

The High Court had ordered that Mumbai and other municipalities should not force petrol pump operators to obtain any new license. Meanwhile, many regulations under the Petroleum Products Act are met by companies and distributors. Due to this, the local court in Kolkata had also ordered that the municipality cannot make rules regarding the acquisition of new stock licenses.

The uproar has started over the municipal stock license. The Petrol Dealers Association of Pune has been e-mailing the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations since September 2022. Therefore, 550 pump operators in Pune have started opposing the demand for a license from the Municipal Corporation.

Dhruv Ruparel, President of the Petrol Dealers Association said, “Regulations are prepared by the central government regarding the sale and handling of petroleum products. The three government companies and other private companies across the country are given a license to distribute petrol, diesel, and gas after fulfilling the central government’s rules. The ability to do and comply with other rules is ensured by the concerned companies. Therefore, we demand that the municipalities should not obstruct our professionals.”

“Recently, a petrol pump in Pune was sealed by the local administration. At that time, we sent a copy of the Bombay High Court’s order to the municipal corporation. Even after that, we are being forced to obtain a stock license. In case of accidents or mishaps, we are ready to provide information about the stock but that to the Fire Brigade Department,” Ruparel clarified.

On the role of the Petrol Dealers Association, Sachin Dhole, head of Municipal Corporation’s Sky Signs and Licensing Department, said, “If the High Court has given such an order, the Association should provide us with a copy of it. At the same time, we will consult the Legal Department of the Municipal Corporation and take further action.”