Denied petrol in bottle after my car ran out.

csentil · 24th March 2010, 16:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by yogeshnaik

This rule can be ammended such that any of the Petrol bunk/Service personnel would accompany the person who is in need of the fuel and refuel the tank incase of emergency.
It would be really tough for the people to push the tons weight car near the fuel pump.
Major precaution is to keep in mind, to have atleast am ample amount of fuel presence before any trip. Also, I have personally seen traffic authorities checking for fuel levels of two wheelers at Hubli.

The Petrol pump that supplies petrol through other means can be legally liable if the petrol is used for purposes of crime (arson, molotov cocktails etc). In serious cases Petrol Pump licenses can be cancelled and the owner prosecuted.

The rule makes a lot of sense in India given the nature of problems we have had.

I ran out of petrol once and I was like 200 metres from the Petrol pump. Walked up to the pump, asked them to help me out. They sent a guy with a can of petrol and those conical filters.

Who's mistake is it if we run out of petrol? And then why blame the Petrol pump for doing his duty and staying within the law

Its more of a norm to supply petrol/diesel in cans in the rural areas. I've got it many a time for tractors/diesel generators etc.

techn0l0gist · 24th March 2010, 16:49

On a similar note, I was denied petrol at the BPCL petrol pump on NH4 at Rannebennur (Karnataka) - reason given was that - they have orders not to dispense petrol after midnight - and I would have to wait till 6.00 am !! Diesel however was available! This happened around 2 am on the 4th of March or so.

I drove on and filled fuel later at Shiggaon. However I still don't get the logic!

rohanjf · 24th March 2010, 17:02

In Shell petrol bunks in Bangalore, they give their own containers for a deposit of some 250 Rs. The container is made of metal and is enclosed in a wooden box. I once used this, and returned the can some 2 weeks later, and they didn't ask anything about the purchase date and all. They just gave me the money back.

And, as far as I know, some countries have the rule that the cops can give you a ticket if your car stalls on the road after running out of fuel. Isn't that good? I mean, shouldn't a driver be aware of the amount of fuel in the car, and fill up when the remaining fuel isn't sufficient to cover, say, less than 50 - 60 kms?
(I guess we can excuse those whose cars do not have fuel level indicators :-D )

dkcrpl · 24th March 2010, 17:04

it is definitely a rule. in fact was working a leading pvt sector refiner and we had our own fuel station. in one or two cases i also came up with same issue and was refused the fuel by attendants (though after calling their boss got it

)

Thad E Ginathom · 24th March 2010, 18:25

Petrol melts some plastics. Can it be carried in the bottles sold with water in them?

ph03n!x · 24th March 2010, 18:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Petrol melts some plastics. Can it be carried in the bottles sold with water in them?

When I was "reviving" my Kinetic Honda, I used a 1 litre Bisleri bottle (or was it Aquafina?) to get petrol from the IOC near opposite Adyar Telephone exchange.

Delta Wing · 24th March 2010, 19:36

Read Welcome to Ministry of Petroleum&Natural Gas

Extract:

1. Short title and commencement-
The rules may be called the Petroleum Rules, 1976.
They shall come into force on the Ist day of August, 1976.
2. Definitions- In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires;-

"Act" means the Petroleum Act, 1934 (30 of 1934);
.
.
.
.
"container" means a receptacle for petroleum not exceeding 1,000 litres in capacity.

......
3. Restriction on delivery and despatch of petroleum-

No person shall deliver or despatch any petroleum to anyone in India other than the holder of a storage licence issued under these rules or his authorized agent or a port authority or railway administration or a person who is authorized under the Act to store petroleum without a licence.
.
.
.
4. Approval of containers-

Containers exceeding one litre in capacity for petroleum Class A and five litres in capacity for petroleum Class B or petroleum Class C. shall be of a type approved by the Chief Controller.
Where the approval of the Chief Controller is sought to a type or con- tainer not previously approved, an application accompanied by twelve copies of a drawing thereof to scale showing the design, materials to be used, the method of construction and capacity of the container together with two sample containers and a fee of rupees fifty for scrutiny shall be submitted to the Chief Controller.
Nothing in sub-rules (1) and (2) shall apply to containers in the possession of the Defences Forces of the Union.
5. Containers for petroleum Class A-

Containers for petroleum Class A shall be constructed of tinned, galvanised or externally rust-proofed sheet iron or steel and be of a type approved by the Chief Controller.
The containers shall be so constructed and secured as not to be liable except under circumstances of gross negligence or extraordinary accident to become defective, leaky or insecure in transit and they shall be kept in proper repair.
The containers shall have well-made filling aperture which shall be fitted with well fitting and secure air tight screw plugs of screw caps or other caps.
Containers made of sheet iron or steel shall have the following thickness of metal :
The capacity of any container, other than those approved by the Chief Controller for specified purposes, shall not exceed 300 litres.
An air space of not less than 5 per cent. of its capacity shall be kept in each container.
The container shall bear a stamped, embossed or painted warning exhibiting in conspicuous characters the words "Petrol" or "Motor Spirit" or an equivalent warning of the highly inflamable nature of the petroleum.

Chipz · 25th March 2010, 11:25

I never heard such a rule in Kerala too. well never went to get petrol in a bottle at 4 am. It is totally insane. what is the point in this. A petrol terrorist can get fuel in a car or bike, then what is the point in prohibiting bottle. Were you in your native place when this happened, maybe they were reluctant to give to outsiders or something.

Live To Jive · 25th March 2010, 12:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spitfire

Dude the incident happened in Pune not in Goa.

I am quite sure Baga is in Goa. Is there a Baga in Pune too?

Quote:

Originally Posted by quickdraw

Yeah they are sold like that at Baga. I talked to them in Marathi and all man, they were not ready to budge. Not the cops not the petrol pump guys. I was ready to bribe then 500 rupees for 50 rupees worth of fuel just to save my dignity.

HammerHead · 25th March 2010, 14:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by yogeshnaik

Also, I have personally seen traffic authorities checking for fuel levels of two wheelers at Hubli.

Oh is it? What is the reason behind it?

Daewood · 25th March 2010, 14:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Petrol melts some plastics. Can it be carried in the bottles sold with water in them?

During college days tried collecting petrol from my friend's bike
in the plastic cup that fountain pepsi vendors use.

It melted in no time.

srishiva · 25th March 2010, 15:18

Guess the petrol pump guy was right then. The problem is we get used to non-conformance without knowing, then if someone follows the rule we are irked.

DJANGO · 26th March 2010, 03:54

In Bangalore, there are no such problems. In fact, a liter of petrol costs a little more than 50 bucks here and I regularly see motorcycles filling fuel for 20 bucks and 25 bucks. Many places in other parts of India I am sure will refuse to fill for such paltry amounts. Fuel is also freely dispensed in bottles when asked for nicely and in the local language. Yes, there is an archaic rule regarding fuel storage and not buying in approved containers, etc. By the way, how come your car ran out of fuel?

What I do is simple. Fill the tank, and when the fuel gauge reaches the quarter mark, fill again. That way I am sure I never run out. I lef it go below the quarter mark only when it is nearing time for servicing, because from experience we all know how our fuel is used by the service guys, usually the unorganized sector guys. MUSS and others usually have a car intake form where the fuel levels, tools, extra fittings, mileage, etc are recorded. Anyhow, a lesson in this for all concerned to be more careful on fuel levels.

Abhay · 26th March 2010, 10:50

This has happened to me too in Pune. I was denied fuel in a plastic bottle, but when I mentioned how far my bike was (never had my car run out of fuel! I am too cautious about that ) he asked me to wait a few mins and after filling up some vehicles put in fuel worth Rs25 in it.

Also in case you are ever stranded near Uni/Pashan, there is a garage which will sell you 250ml petrol right at pashan circle. Of course that is no use at 4am!

emkay456 · 26th March 2010, 14:23

There are instructions to strictly enforce ban on selling the petrol unless vehicle is present at the petrol station. This has been issued in Maharashtra by the police based on linkage to terrorism. There was a newsreport sometime during last one month. I will try to search on net for any links.

24th March 2010, 16:49	#32
techn0l0gist BHPian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Goa Posts: 364 Thanked: 89 Times	On a similar note, I was denied petrol at the BPCL petrol pump on NH4 at Rannebennur (Karnataka) - reason given was that - they have orders not to dispense petrol after midnight - and I would have to wait till 6.00 am !! Diesel however was available! This happened around 2 am on the 4th of March or so. I drove on and filled fuel later at Shiggaon. However I still don't get the logic!
	() Thanks

24th March 2010, 17:02	#33
rohanjf Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Adelaide Posts: 1,193 Thanked: 706 Times	In Shell petrol bunks in Bangalore, they give their own containers for a deposit of some 250 Rs. The container is made of metal and is enclosed in a wooden box. I once used this, and returned the can some 2 weeks later, and they didn't ask anything about the purchase date and all. They just gave me the money back. And, as far as I know, some countries have the rule that the cops can give you a ticket if your car stalls on the road after running out of fuel. Isn't that good? I mean, shouldn't a driver be aware of the amount of fuel in the car, and fill up when the remaining fuel isn't sufficient to cover, say, less than 50 - 60 kms? (I guess we can excuse those whose cars do not have fuel level indicators :-D ) Last edited by rohanjf : 24th March 2010 at 17:07.
	() Thanks

24th March 2010, 17:04	#34
dkcrpl BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 48 Thanked: 0 Times	it is definitely a rule. in fact was working a leading pvt sector refiner and we had our own fuel station. in one or two cases i also came up with same issue and was refused the fuel by attendants (though after calling their boss got it )
	() Thanks

24th March 2010, 18:25	#35
Thad E Ginathom Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 11,005 Thanked: 26,443 Times	Petrol melts some plastics. Can it be carried in the bottles sold with water in them?
	() Thanks

24th March 2010, 19:36	#37
Delta Wing BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 228 Thanked: 115 Times	the rule Read Welcome to Ministry of Petroleum&Natural Gas Extract: 1. Short title and commencement- The rules may be called the Petroleum Rules, 1976. They shall come into force on the Ist day of August, 1976. 2. Definitions- In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires;- "Act" means the Petroleum Act, 1934 (30 of 1934); . . . . "container" means a receptacle for petroleum not exceeding 1,000 litres in capacity. ...... 3. Restriction on delivery and despatch of petroleum- No person shall deliver or despatch any petroleum to anyone in India other than the holder of a storage licence issued under these rules or his authorized agent or a port authority or railway administration or a person who is authorized under the Act to store petroleum without a licence. . . . 4. Approval of containers- Containers exceeding one litre in capacity for petroleum Class A and five litres in capacity for petroleum Class B or petroleum Class C. shall be of a type approved by the Chief Controller. Where the approval of the Chief Controller is sought to a type or con- tainer not previously approved, an application accompanied by twelve copies of a drawing thereof to scale showing the design, materials to be used, the method of construction and capacity of the container together with two sample containers and a fee of rupees fifty for scrutiny shall be submitted to the Chief Controller. Nothing in sub-rules (1) and (2) shall apply to containers in the possession of the Defences Forces of the Union. 5. Containers for petroleum Class A- Containers for petroleum Class A shall be constructed of tinned, galvanised or externally rust-proofed sheet iron or steel and be of a type approved by the Chief Controller. The containers shall be so constructed and secured as not to be liable except under circumstances of gross negligence or extraordinary accident to become defective, leaky or insecure in transit and they shall be kept in proper repair. The containers shall have well-made filling aperture which shall be fitted with well fitting and secure air tight screw plugs of screw caps or other caps. Containers made of sheet iron or steel shall have the following thickness of metal : The capacity of any container, other than those approved by the Chief Controller for specified purposes, shall not exceed 300 litres. An air space of not less than 5 per cent. of its capacity shall be kept in each container. The container shall bear a stamped, embossed or painted warning exhibiting in conspicuous characters the words "Petrol" or "Motor Spirit" or an equivalent warning of the highly inflamable nature of the petroleum.
	() Thanks

25th March 2010, 11:25	#38
Chipz BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Trivandrum, Thrissur Posts: 160 Thanked: 6 Times	I never heard such a rule in Kerala too. well never went to get petrol in a bottle at 4 am. It is totally insane. what is the point in this. A petrol terrorist can get fuel in a car or bike, then what is the point in prohibiting bottle. Were you in your native place when this happened, maybe they were reluctant to give to outsiders or something.
	() Thanks

25th March 2010, 15:18	#42
srishiva Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 4,375 Thanked: 2,256 Times	Guess the petrol pump guy was right then. The problem is we get used to non-conformance without knowing, then if someone follows the rule we are irked.
	() Thanks

26th March 2010, 03:54	#43
DJANGO BHPian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: KA 03, KL 7, MH 04 Posts: 43 Thanked: 0 Times	In Bangalore, there are no such problems. In fact, a liter of petrol costs a little more than 50 bucks here and I regularly see motorcycles filling fuel for 20 bucks and 25 bucks. Many places in other parts of India I am sure will refuse to fill for such paltry amounts. Fuel is also freely dispensed in bottles when asked for nicely and in the local language. Yes, there is an archaic rule regarding fuel storage and not buying in approved containers, etc. By the way, how come your car ran out of fuel? What I do is simple. Fill the tank, and when the fuel gauge reaches the quarter mark, fill again. That way I am sure I never run out. I lef it go below the quarter mark only when it is nearing time for servicing, because from experience we all know how our fuel is used by the service guys, usually the unorganized sector guys. MUSS and others usually have a car intake form where the fuel levels, tools, extra fittings, mileage, etc are recorded. Anyhow, a lesson in this for all concerned to be more careful on fuel levels.
	() Thanks

26th March 2010, 10:50	#44
Abhay BHPian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pune Posts: 727 Thanked: 11 Times	This has happened to me too in Pune. I was denied fuel in a plastic bottle, but when I mentioned how far my bike was (never had my car run out of fuel! I am too cautious about that ) he asked me to wait a few mins and after filling up some vehicles put in fuel worth Rs25 in it. Also in case you are ever stranded near Uni/Pashan, there is a garage which will sell you 250ml petrol right at pashan circle. Of course that is no use at 4am!
	() Thanks

26th March 2010, 14:23	#45
emkay456 BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 388 Thanked: 7 Times	There are instructions to strictly enforce ban on selling the petrol unless vehicle is present at the petrol station. This has been issued in Maharashtra by the police based on linkage to terrorism. There was a newsreport sometime during last one month. I will try to search on net for any links.
	() Thanks