ISLAMABAD: The capital administration warned petrol pumps on Monday that they were only allowed to sell diesel and petrol to vehicles, officials in the administration and police told Dawn.

Police were also instructed to monitor the sale and stop those who were seen transporting fuel in steel or plastic drums and containers.

“It was observed that the sale of fuel in iron or plastic drums and containers has seen a sharp increase in the capital,” an official in the administration said.

He added that this practice was prohibited for being illegal under Petroleum Act 1934 and Pakistan Penal Code 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter) and 286 (negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance).

“Management of the pumps were warned against the practice and told that those who will be involved will be dealt strictly in accordance with law. It’s a fire hazard and must be stopped immediately to protect citizens against any unfortunate incident.”

Police officials said in response to the directive, teams had been deployed at the checkpoint and are responsible for confiscating any drums and containers filled with petrol and diesel. Additionally those involved will be arrested.

Officials said a large quantity of fuel was being transported to the Constitution Avenue to run generators of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Pakistani Awami Tehreek giving rise to more violations. The generators of DSNG (Digital Satellite News Gathering) of TV channels have also been consuming large amounts of fuel and diesel in these past few weeks.

It was alleged that the real reason for the warning was to cut fuel supply to these generators although it was issued as a ‘general warnin’. Lack of fuel will make it difficult to provide power to the containers of PTI Chief Imran Khan and PAT’s Dr Tahirul Qadri as well as for running sound systems and lights in the sit-in areas.

Published in Dawn, September 23rd , 2014