LAHORE, Feb 16: Smuggled petrol continues to be sold in hundreds of unauthorised shops in all parts of the provincial metropolis without any let or hindrance.

Establishment of petrol pumps is sanctioned by a committee headed by the district coordination officer, which examines the location and safety precautions like fire-fighting arrangements and the infrastructure for storage of petrol. Petrol pumps are not sanctioned in congested residential or commercial areas and on busy roads and crossings and near educational institutions and hospitals.

Nobody can think of establishing a petrol pump without the permission of the City District Government, because no oil company is ready to supply petrol to such a pump. All such pumps are not only bound to close down but the owners are also prosecuted for violation of the law.

Petrol retail shops can, however, be set up anywhere in the provincial metropolis without any fear of prosecution. There is no need to approach any oil company for supplies due to the availability of smuggled stuff.

Petrol retailers are not required to seek CDG’s permission for going into business. They do not require to make any arrangements for safe storage and sale of highly inflammable material. They are also safe from sampling of their merchandise or checking of their measures by labour department officials. Laws relating to sale of adulterated petrol or pricing do not apply to them either.

Petrol retail shops exist on the Ravi Link Road, Ravi Road, Bund Road, Circular Road, Mcleod Road, Allama Iqbal Road, Ferozepur Road, Multan Road, Lytton Road, Fateh Sher Road, Shama Road, Sultan Ahmed Road, GT Road, Shalimar Link Road, Railway Road and in almost all localities of the provincial metropolis.