RAWALPINDI: The Ministry of Industries and Productions has asked the district administration to initiate action against those involved in sale of loose petroleum products and its storage in unauthorised filling stations and shops.

After receiving the directives, the district administration asked the Civil Defence Department to take action against anyone selling loose petrol or diesel in open shops and unauthorised filling stations.

A senior official of the district administration said during a survey it was found that there were many illegal shops selling loose petrol. “Owners/dealers of such shops or mini-filling stations have established underground tanks. The storage of petroleum products without safety measures is dangerous for human life and is illegal under the petroleum rules 1937.”

He said the ministry had directed sealing of such outlets, adding necessary steps would be taken to avoid any untoward incidents.

There are a large number of shops in Raja Bazaar, Dhoke Hassu and Kuri Road etc., selling petrol or diesel at higher prices without any licences. Most of the shop owners keep petrol and diesel in drums and sell it to customers in bottles.

When contacted, Civil Defence Officer Talib Hussain said directives had been received to launch action against unauthorised petrol filling stations and shops.

“We will launch the drive from Monday and in this regard a survey has been completed. We have made a list of such shops and raids would be conducted with the help of the police,” he said.

He said a list of authorised dealers and filling stations had also been obtained from the district administration.