India Today ·
Karnataka acts tough after deviated nozzles, under-delivery reported at fuel pumps
The Legal Metrology Department inspected 805 of the state's 5,946 petrol pumps and found that 768 required recalibration. Officials registered 101 cases and collected fines amounting to Rs 6.66 lakh.
Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad has announced tougher action against petrol pumps found violating fuel dispensing norms, following irregularities detected during the statewide Mission Nikhara inspection. Outlets repeatedly failing to ensure accurate delivery could face directions for closure, he said.
The exercise also revealed deviations in 8.5 of every 10 fuel nozzles tested. According to the Mission Nikhara findings, under-delivery was recorded roughly seven times for every instance of over-delivery.
Arshad said the government would take action against petrol pump operators where discrepancies are established and stressed the need to protect consumers from inaccurate fuel dispensing.
The state government is also preparing to approach the Centre seeking a review of the Legal Metrology (General) Seventh Amendment Rules, 2025 issued by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on December 18, 2025.
The review extended the mandatory verification interval for petrol pumps from 12 months to 24 months.
Karnataka has sought a return to annual calibration, stricter permissible error limits and greater government supervision of the calibration process.
The remaining 2,100 petrol pumps due for inspection will also be covered. The government plans to make display boards showing calibration details mandatory at outlets.
Consumers can report suspected short dispensing and other deficiencies through the toll-free helpline 1800-599-1100, a statement said.