Gambling with fire: City petrol pumps flout safety rules

Lokmat News NetworkRaj Patil

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Every time you pay at a petrol dispenser in this city, you're gambling with your life. Unattended pumps and zero accountability mean disaster could strike with no one to answer for it.

As the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar 100% petrol pump were attached the payament QR code to the Petrol Dispencer as the at earlier there is separate dedicated counter for the online payment for the safety purpose. But now each petrol pump is giving identity cards to workers or attaching QR codes directly to the petrol dispenser near the nozzles. In 2018, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulation Board Notification states that mobile phones must be switched off near dispensing stations and payments must be made in safe areas. According to a Lokmat Times survey, almost all petrol pumps in the city place QR codes meant for worker identification dangerously close to dispenser nozzles, forcing customers to bring mobile phones near the nozzle and creating a potential fire hazard for both workers and patrons. Petrol pump officials admit that many petrol pumps in the city face fire hazards. While fire does not always occur, using a mobile phone near the nozzle could generate sparks and potentially trigger a fire. When asked, the District Administration’s petrol pump safety officer said, ‘I will look into the matter and get back to you. Then the question arises: who will be responsible if the fire escalates? The collector's office who doesn't follow the law? Petrol pump owners trying different experiments without permission? Staff who don't know about regulations? Or citizens using mobile phones at the station?

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Who is accountable?

With the district administration not taking responsibility for petrol pump safety, accountability remains unclear. Experts warn that improper handling and unsafe practices at pumps could trigger fire hazards, putting workers and customers at risk. Authorities must clarify who will ensure safety measures are strictly enforced.

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Why phones are banned near despencers

Using or receiving a phone call near petrol dispensers can be dangerous. Mobile devices may produce sparks, which can ignite petrol vapors, causing fires or explosions. Even calls or notifications can trigger such risks, making it unsafe for customers and staff.

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DSO clarifies jurisdiction

The placement or use of QR codes at petrol pumps does not fall under our jurisdiction. The petrol pump authorities have full responsibility for deciding whether and how to implement them.

- Pravin Phulari, District Supply Officer

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NOC issued only at start

We provide the NOC only at the time of establishing a petrol pump. Beyond this initial approval, we do not issue any further permissions as such matters fall outside our jurisdiction. Our role is strictly limited to granting the NOC at the start of operations.

-Janardhan Vidhate, Resident deputy collector

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Nozzle call risk

There is no risk of fire when customers use their mobile phones to make payments via QR codes at the dispenser. However, using a phone to make or receive calls near the nozzle can significantly increase the chances of a fire. Thats why we implement as the there is no needed any dedicated counter for the payament.

- Aqueel Abbas, president, Petroleum delars association Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

(ADDITION REMAIN)