Lack of facilities at fuel outlets come under HC scanner

Unavailability of mandatory facilities like first aid, toilet and telephone in fuel retail outlets for customers has come under the scanner of the Orissa High Court.
Admitting a PIL in this connection, a division bench, headed by Justice Indrajit Mahanti, today directed the Cuttack district collector to submit a report after ascertaining whether the outlets are providing the facilities to customers.
As per the marketing discipline guidelines for oil companies, the retail outlets must provide free air, first aid box, toilet and telephone facilities to customers during their operating hours.
The PIL said most retail fuel outlets in Cuttack do not provide the facilities to customers and when asked for these services, the owners ignore the requests.

As per oil companies' guidelines, a retail outlet is supposed to provide water-coolers, convenience stores, snack bars, dhabas and restrooms, bathing and washing space for truckers, telephone facilities (PCO/STD), ATM, servicing and repair shops for customers on payment basis.