JAMMU: A coordination meeting of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and the Legal Metrology Department was held on Monday at the Jammu Divisional Office of Indian Oil, Bahu Plaza, under the chairmanship of Shiv Kumar Gupta, Controller, Legal Metrology, Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting aimed at strengthening inter-departmental coordination to ensure the smooth, timely and hassle-free inspection, verification and calibration of petrol pump dispensing units across the Union Territory.
The objective of the exercise was to ensure correct quantity, transparency and enhanced consumer confidence at retail fuel outlets. The meeting was organised by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and led by Himanshu Sharma, State Level Coordinator (SLC).
Senior officers from IOCL, HPCL and BPCL participated in the meeting, including the Area Sales Manager, J&K (GVR & GEMS), State Head, Punjab & J&K (GVR & GEMS) and the Regional Head (North). The Controller, Legal Metrology, J&K was assisted by the Joint Controller, Legal Metrology, Jammu, and the Assistant Controller, Legal Metrology, Samba.
During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on streamlining verification schedules and ensuring strict compliance with Legal Metrology standards to safeguard consumer interests and promote fair fuel dispensing practices.
As per the departmental and company-wise review, the meeting took note of 1,163 dispensing machines comprising 3,977 nozzles installed across OMC retail outlets in J&K. This includes BPCL with 463 machines and 1,792 nozzles, HPCL with 146 machines and 285 nozzles, and IOCL with 554 machines and 1,900 nozzles. The infrastructure breakup further showed 1,118 Tokheim machines with 3,797 nozzles and 45 Dresser Wayne machines with 180 nozzles, highlighting the extensive scale of verification and calibration work in the region.
During the visit, the Controller, Legal Metrology also inaugurated a Blood Donation Camp organised at the Indian Oil office and appreciated the initiative as a commendable contribution towards public welfare and community service.
Operational challenges affecting the timely verification and calibration process were discussed, and it was mutually agreed that closer coordination among OMCs, retail outlet operators and the Legal Metrology Department would help resolve issues promptly and ensure uninterrupted services in the interest of consumers.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of consumer-friendly facilities at fuel stations, including availability of the correct fuel options, clean washrooms, functional air facilities and other basic amenities. The Controller stressed that such measures enhance consumer convenience while supporting effective enforcement of Legal Metrology provisions.
Stating that these issues directly impact consumer convenience, transparency, safety and smooth departmental functioning, the Controller directed all stakeholders to ensure timely redressal of issues and improved compliance. The meeting concluded with assurances from OMCs and outlet representatives for better coordination and immediate corrective measures.
