Diesel sales restrictions in Jalna: RC and AGRISTACK checks required for diesel in cans

The Jalna district administration in Maharashtra on Friday told petrol pump owners to stop selling diesel in cans. Sales could continue only after checking documents. Buyers must show a registration certificate RC and an AGRISTACK or agricultural registry number. The move came as farmers reported trouble getting fuel without using tractors at pumps.

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The order followed worries about fuel availability in parts of the state. The government has denied any shortage. Farmers said the ban on fuel in containers created practical problems. Driving tractors to petrol pumps costs more than buying diesel locally. Many farmers also depend on small container refills for daily farm work.

Jalna district administration diesel order and AGRISTACK checks

Under the latest instruction, farmers buying diesel in cans must submit a copy of the tractor registration certificate. Farmers must also provide AGRISTACK numbers at the petrol pump. The administration said the checks must happen before any sale. Pump operators were asked to ensure the details matched the buyer.

If a farmer does not have an AGRISTACK number, other details were required. The order said the farmer must provide an Aadhar card and the mobile number. Petrol pumps were directed to record these details during the transaction. The district administration aimed to track sales and avoid misuse of diesel.

Maharashtra fuel sales rise and state government disruption claims

Maharashtra recorded about a 20 per cent increase in petrol and diesel sales. The rise was seen in the first fortnight of May. The state government linked the jump to panic buying. Fears grew about possible supply disruption due to the West Asia crisis.

The state government said the demand spike was temporary. It also said fuel supplies stayed uninterrupted across Maharashtra. According to the government, all demand was fully met. The administration maintained there was no breakdown in delivery or retail availability during this period.

Before the new diesel-can checks, Jalna had issued another instruction to fuel outlets. Petrol pumps were asked to keep 5 per cent of their fuel stock aside. This reserve was meant for emergency services and government vehicles. The latest order added tighter checks for container sales during the demand pressure.

The district’s directions left farmers weighing paperwork and travel costs. Farmers now needed RC copies and AGRISTACK numbers for diesel in cans. Those without AGRISTACK had to submit Aadhar card details and a mobile number. The state government continued to deny shortages, while officials relied on monitoring and reserved fuel rules.

With inputs from PTI