MSRTC files plaint against HPCL, BPCL, IOC for short delivery

The Maharastra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has complained to state Legal Metrology Department (LMD), accusing HPCL, BPCL and IOC of 'short delivery'.
Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of MSRTC Vineet Agrawal said a complaint was lodged with the LMD on September 19, following which LMD has taken action against the three companies.
In the complaint, the corporation has accused that Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has tampered with the pipelines of its tankers through which diesel is transported in bulk to the corporation, which resulted in short delivery.
"On suspicion, we recently conducted a check at our 75 depots in the state and found a shortage of 1.8 lakh litre of diesel in underground tanks at the 75 depots. We have written to LMD to look into the matter," MSRTC CVO Vineet Agrawal told PTI.

The CVO alleged that the malpractice could be a "big scam" and claimed that it may result in loss to the tune of Rs 35 crore per month to the corporation.
Following the complaint, LMD wrote to HPCL, BPCL and IOC, addressing the company chairman, stating that utmost care should be observed while dispensing fuel (diesel) to its bulk customers.

It has also taken action against the companies for 'short delivery' as per Legal Metrology Act.
In the letter, a copy of which is in possession of PTI, LMD has warned the companies that further complaints of similar nature may lead to criminal cases being initiated against them.

LMD also asked the companies to make requisite changes, amendments in terms of technology and its terms of process to deliver accurate fuel to the dealers.
"In recent past on complaints of MSRTC, we have registered cases of short delivery and this complaint will further lead to more criminal cases being initiated against the oil companies," the letter read.
When contacted Controller, LMD, Maharashtra, Sanjay Pandey said, "Yes, we have written to the chairman of the three companies as it is a serious matter involving government owned corporation. We have initiated action as per Legal Metrology Act for Short delivery."

The three companies could not be reached for reactions today.