A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar slammed the ministry for delay in submitting analysis report and refused to grant two months time sought by the department.
The tribunal had constituted a committee comprising officials from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ministry of Petroleum and Gas and state pollution control boards to conduct joint inspection at any 10 petrol pumps and analyse fuel samples in the laboratory of the state boards and CPCB.
It also warned that in the event of default of the orders the members of the committee would be present before it and posted the matter for next hearing on September 2.
During the hearing, the counsel appearing for Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas told the bench that it received an email on July 22 seeking further time of two months.
The directions came while hearing a plea filed by Delhi resident Cherub Singla seeking directions to inspect the fuel quality at petrol pumps across the country, especially in cities facing acute air pollution.
Singla had contended that fuel adulteration increases the emission of total hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter and thus adds to air pollution.
