The Centre has introduced temporary restrictions on the purchase of petrol and diesel from retail fuel stations by industrial, commercial and institutional consumers. The move is aimed at ensuring adequate fuel availability for ordinary consumers and preventing disruptions in supply.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026, on June 11. The restrictions can remain in force for up to 90 days and may be extended through a fresh government order if required, reported NDTV.
Why the government has acted
According to the notification, the decision comes amid concerns over rising fuel demand in certain regions, particularly for diesel. The government said the trend emerged after bulk consumers shifted their purchases to retail outlets because of a significant price gap between retail and bulk fuel rates.
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In Delhi, diesel is currently sold at Rs 95.20 per litre at petrol pumps, while bulk buyers are charged Rs 134.50 per litre. The difference widened after state-owned oil marketing companies adjusted retail pricing to shield ordinary consumers from higher costs triggered by the Middle East crisis earlier this year.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas: This Control Order restricting daily sales of retail HSD (High Speed Diesel) to 200 litres is to prevent bulk purchase of HSD from Retail Outlets for diversion and resale to commercial and industrial customers causing supply issues. This… pic.twitter.com/cwIrA3sRjc
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2026
Per NDTV, the government said the move was necessitated by the "current prevailing geopolitical situation affecting certain regions of the world" that has disrupted petroleum supply chains, shipping logistics and product availability.
New rules for bulk consumers
The notification quoted by NDTV noted that "abnormal increases in sales of Motor Spirit (petrol) and High Speed Diesel (diesel) through Retail Outlets in certain parts of the country are driven by shifting of industrial, commercial and institutional consumers to Retail Outlets owing to the price difference between retail and bulk sale prices".
Under the new order, industrial, commercial and institutional users may no longer be allowed to buy fuel from retail pumps. Instead, they will be required to source supplies through designated bulk channels or their own consumer pumps.
The order also places restrictions on diesel sales at fuel stations. Diesel can now be sold only for vehicle fuel tanks or in Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)-approved containers. Purchases are capped at 200 litres per customer or vehicle per day, and such diesel "cannot be resold".
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Focus on preventing shortages and hoarding
The government warned that large-scale procurement through retail outlets could divert fuel meant for regular consumers and "create the potential for localised shortages and disruption of essential services to the common man".
State governments and Union Territories have been directed to take "all necessary measures to implement" the order, including action against hoarding, black marketing, unauthorised procurement and diversion of fuel supplies. Violations will be punishable under the Essential Commodities Act.
FAQs:
Who is affected by the new fuel purchase restrictions?
Industrial, commercial and institutional consumers may be barred from purchasing petrol and diesel directly from retail fuel stations.
What is the new limit on diesel purchases at petrol pumps?
Diesel sales are capped at 200 litre per customer or vehicle per day and can only be filled in vehicle tanks or PESO-approved containers.
