Karnataka fuel bunk inspections: 85% of nozzles found underdelivering fuel

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Sep 17, 2026: More than 85% of fuel dispensing nozzles inspected across Karnataka were found to be underdelivering petrol or diesel, according to an inspection drive conducted by the Food and Civil Supplies Department.

During the eight-day inspection drive, officials checked 3,071 dispensing nozzles at 805 fuel stations. Of these, 2,618 nozzles (85.24%) were found to dispense less fuel, while 768 of the 805 fuel stations inspected required recalibration.

Karnataka currently has 5,946 petrol pumps.

Addressing a press conference, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad said the figure included nozzles operating both within and beyond the permissible variation. Cases were registered against those found exceeding the permissible limit, and fines totalling Rs 6.6 lakh were imposed.

Under Union government regulations, a variation of up to 0.5%, either less or more, is permissible in fuel dispensing, equivalent to 5 ml per litre.

Of the 768 fuel stations requiring recalibration, 101 were found to have discrepancies exceeding the 0.5% permissible limit. Three stations were also found to be dispensing fuel in excess of the permissible margin.

While fuel stations recording shortages within the permissible limit are not liable for fines or cases, the minister said they should have their nozzles recalibrated.

“In such cases, the department should be informed and the nozzle recalibrated,” Arshad said.

Under Section 4(12)(e) of the Karnataka Legal Metrology (Enforcement) Rules, 2011, fuel dispensing equipment is required to be recalibrated to address discrepancies at the end of one year.

Amendment to rules

Arshad said the Union government amended the Legal Metrology (General) Rules through GSR 905(E) in December 2025, extending the period for recalibration of petrol pump nozzles from one year to two years.

The minister questioned the basis for extending the period, stating that data from the recent inspections indicated that consumers could potentially lose hundreds of crores of rupees annually if the two-year interval is continued.

According to data published by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, 1,430.86 crore litres of fuel were sold in Karnataka during 2024-25, he said.

Arshad said he would urge the Union government to withdraw the amendment, citing consumer interests.

The department will continue inspecting the remaining fuel stations and aims to complete the verification process by December 2026. An online dashboard containing verification and stamping details of all 5,946 fuel stations in Karnataka will also be launched.

The department is additionally planning to launch ‘Mission Nikhara – Measurement Guarantee’, an awareness campaign across the state aimed at protecting consumers from violations related to measurement.