Bhubaneswar, Nov 23: The Odisha government has amassed over Rs 10 lakh in fines from petrol pumps over the past three years for manipulating fuel dispensing units, revealed Consumer Welfare Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak in response to a query posed by BJD MLA Prasanta Behera during Wednesday's Assembly session.

Minister Nayak disclosed that a total of 83 cases were filed against petrol pumps involved in illicitly reducing the quantity of dispensed petrol and diesel by tampering with the dispensing units. The cumulative penalty collected from these establishments during the three-year period amounted to Rs 10,66,000.

Breaking down the figures, Nayak reported 24 cases in the 2022-23 financial year, resulting in a fine of Rs 3,17,000. In the preceding fiscal year of 2021-22, 22 cases were registered, leading to fines totaling Rs 3,43,000. The year prior saw 37 cases documented, with fines amounting to Rs 4,06,000.

To curb fraudulent practices and protect consumers, Nayak highlighted that the Quality Assurance Cell and Vigilance Wing conduct periodic raids on petrol pumps statewide. Fines are imposed on those found guilty of tampering with dispensing units during these inspections.

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