Srinagar, Jan 13: The fuel stations across the Kashmir Valley are flouting essential service guidelines, leaving consumers without access to basic facilities mandated by law.
A recent visit to fuel stations by this correspondent revealed a widespread lack of adherence to regulations that mandate services such as drinking water, quality checks, first aid kits, emergency calls, washrooms, and free air at petrol pumps.
During visits to several fuel stations in the valley, it was observed that many establishments failed to display boards highlighting the services they are obligated to provide. Furthermore, washrooms at some locations were found to be hidden or inaccessible to customers, directly violating legal requirements.
The absence of personnel to assist with air pressure checks also left customers frustrated, despite the presence of functioning air pressure gauges.
Consumers expressed dissatisfaction, stating that only a few fuel stations in the Valley comply with guidelines by offering these basic facilities free of charge.
According to the established criteria, fuel stations must ensure access to air, clean bathrooms, drinking water, and phone facilities during operating hours. Additionally, contact information for station dealers should be prominently displayed for customer feedback.
Peerzada Aubaid, a student at Kashmir University, voiced concerns over the lack of portable drinking facilities at some petrol pumps, urging the authorities to take action against non-compliant owners. He also highlighted the need for transparent displays showing current fuel prices.
An official from the Legal Metrology Department (LMD), speaking anonymously, acknowledged the deficiency in basic facilities at these fuel stations. The LMD official assured that regular inspections were being conducted, promising disciplinary action against violators.
The LMD official encouraged consumers to report the absence of facilities to the sales officers of the fuel stations, highlighting the possibility of fines for non-compliance. The official reaffirmed the department’s commitment to ensuring the quality of fuel and adherence to guidelines.
The mandatory facilities that should be available at petrol pumps, as outlined by guidelines, include free air, clean toilets, free phone call access, first aid kits, access to drinking water, and quality checks. Consumers are urged to be vigilant and report instances where these services are not provided to the concerned authorities.
