ISLAMABAD: Three petrol pumps operating on Lehtrar Road were found using electronic manipulation devices in fuel dispensing machines by the capital administration during its ongoing operation.
The administration said show-cause notices were issued to the three pumps. It said reports had been received from the Assistant Commissioner (Nilore) regarding the alleged use of electronic manipulation devices in the fuel dispensing machines installed at the filling stations.
During the inspection, electronic tampering devices were found installed in the fuel dispensing machines at the premises. The dispensing machines were subsequently sealed by a magistrate, and the devices were secured for preservation and technical examination.
The installation and use of such electronic manipulation devices, if established, constitutes a serious violation of the applicable laws, rules, regulatory requirements and standards governing the operation of petrol pumps.
Such conduct may amount to deliberate manipulation of fuel dispensing measurements, resulting in the supply of less fuel to consumers than the quantity displayed on the dispensing machines, thereby causing financial loss to the general public and undermining consumer confidence.
The allegations, if substantiated, reflect serious misconduct and may render the continued operation of the petrol pump under the existing NOC liable to reconsideration, including cancellation of the NOC, subject to the applicable laws, rules and prescribed procedure.
‘Now, therefore, you are hereby called upon to show cause in writing within seven days of receipt of this notice as to why the NOC issued in favour of the filling stations on Lehtrar Road should not be cancelled on account ofthe aforesaid alleged violations, appropriate legal and administrative action should not be initiated against the management/owner of the petrol pump for the alleged installation and use of electronic manipulation devices in the fuel dispensing machines, and any other action permissible under the applicable laws, rules and regulatory framework should not be taken against the petrol pump,’ stated the notice.
They were directed to submit a written explanation, along with all relevant documentary evidence, including the NOC, relevant licences, Form ‘K’ certificates, inspection/maintenance records of the dispensing machines and any other material upon which they intend to rely in their defence.
‘In case you wish to avail yourself of an opportunity for a personal hearing, you may appear before the undersigned on November 18, either personally or through an authorised representative, along with all relevant documentary evidence.
In case no written reply is received within the stipulated period, or the recipient fails to appear on the date fixed for the personal hearing, the matter shall be proceeded with ex parte on the basis of the available record, without any further notice, and an appropriate decision shall be taken in accordance with the law.