By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 11 Jun: Thousands of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly food processing units across Uttarakhand, have received a significant relief after the state government issued a clarification regarding the procurement and storage of diesel from retail petrol pumps. In fact, crucial directions were issued today by the government, easing the supply restrictions for diesel to the MSMEs and to the Food Processing Units of the state. The orders in this regard have been issued along with the clarifications by the Food & Civil Supplies Department.
The move follows intervention by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya, and comes after sustained representations made by the Food Industries Association of Uttarakhand (FIAU) highlighting the difficulties being faced by industries due to restrictions on diesel supplies. In fact the order mentions also mentions a letter written by the State Coordinator of Food Industries Association of Uttarakhand (FIAU), which had apprised the government about the difficulties being faced by the food processing industry in procuring due amount of diesel. This letter was written on 3 June, 2026.
The issue had emerged following concerns over the supply of diesel through retail petrol pumps, creating operational difficulties for bakeries, namkeen manufacturers, food processing units and several other MSMEs across the state. Industry representatives had warned that continued uncertainty over diesel procurement could severely affect production activities and even lead to temporary shutdowns of numerous units dependent on diesel-powered operations.
Acting on a representation submitted by FIAU, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department examined the matter and subsequently issued a clarification today. According to the order issued by Food Commissioner Banshi Lal Rana, all the District Supply Officers (DSOs) in Uttarakhand have been informed that legitimate industrial consumers can continue to obtain diesel from petrol pumps in accordance with the provisions of the Petroleum Rules, 2002.
The official communication refers to an earlier departmental letter dated May 29, 2026, through which directions had been issued to ensure that diesel and petrol distributed through retail outlets reached genuine consumers and that diversion or misuse of fuel was prevented. Subsequently, the State Coordinator of the Food Industries Association of Uttarakhand (FIAU), based at Kanwali Road, Dehradun, represented that industries were facing difficulties in obtaining diesel from the filling stations despite being legally permitted to store up to 2,500 litres of fuel. The association had requested that industrial units be allowed uninterrupted access to diesel supplies.
Following the representation, clarification was sought from the State Level Coordinator of Indian Oil Corporation Limited. Based on the information received, the department stated that under Rule 16(iv) of Form XIV of the Petroleum Rules, 2002, petroleum products classified under Class B, including the diesel, may be filled into approved containers with a capacity not exceeding 200 litres. The clarification further notes that under the same rules, petroleum classified as Class B may be stored up to a maximum limit of 2,500 litres without a licence, provided that the capacity of any individual storage vessel, receptacle or container does not exceed 1,000 litres.
The latest clarification therefore confirms that duly authorised MSME and food processing units can legally procure diesel from retail petrol pumps in containers of up to 200 litres each and store diesel up to an aggregate limit of 2,500 litres in accordance with the Petroleum Rules, 2002. Industry representatives have described the order as a major relief that removes uncertainty and ensures the smooth functioning of thousands of small and medium enterprises across the state.
Welcoming the decision, FIAU office-bearers have stated that the fresh clarification would ease the procurement of diesel by the industry and would prevent disruption of industrial operations and safeguard the interests of entrepreneurs and workers dependent on the sector.
State Coordinator Anil Marwah and Co-Coordinator Pawan Agrawal, in a joint statement issued today, expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for his leadership and continued support to industry, and thanked Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya for promptly taking cognisance of the representation and facilitating departmental action on the issue.
The association also conveyed its appreciation to Food Commissioner Banshi Lal Rana, Additional Commissioner PS Pangti and other officials of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department for issuing a timely clarification and ensuring proper interpretation of the applicable rules.
FIAU representatives further stated that the development was the result of the collective and persistent efforts of the association and its members. They added that the organisation would continue to work towards protecting the interests of entrepreneurs and supporting the growth of Uttarakhand’s economy while ensuring that industry concerns are effectively addressed through constructive engagement with the government and administration.
