The Punjab government has issued new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products in the province and prevent hoarding.
According to a notification, strict measures will be taken to prevent hoarding and illegal transfer of petrol and diesel, while action will also be taken against violators.
The government has appointed the Industries Department as the central focal department to monitor petroleum matters. According to the notification, a special control system will be established at the provincial level to monitor petroleum products.
All oil depots have been directed to provide a detailed report of their stock on a daily basis to the provincial control room, which will include information on opening stock, fuel received, sales and closing stock.
Similarly, all deputy commissioners have been ordered to monitor availability of fuel at petrol pumps in their districts on a daily basis.
The administration will also review the implementation of government rates at petrol pumps, fuel availability and rush situation. The district administration has been directed to take immediate action to stop hoarding and illegal transfer.
The government has also decided to set up a District Petroleum Monitoring Committee in each district under the chairmanship of the deputy commissioner, which will include representatives from the police, industries department, civil defense, and oil companies. This committee will review the fuel supply and demand situation
On a daily basis and take steps to resolve it with an immediate report in case of shortage.
According to the notification, the movement of oil tankers and fuel-carrying vehicles will be strictly monitored. Fuel supply will be confirmed by checking the delivery documents of tankers, while complete records will be kept by increasing surveillance at check posts. Heavy fines will be imposed on transport vehicles violating the rules.
Furthermore, it has also been decided to introduce a special mobile app for monitoring petrol pumps and oil depots, which will be jointly developed by PITB and the Urban Unit. A digital dashboard will also be created with this app, while the supply and monitoring of petroleum products will be made more effective through the track and trace system.
According to the government, the aim of these measures is to ensure transparent and timely supply of petroleum products.