The Odisha government has collected Rs 69,000 in fines from seven fuel pumps found guilty of cheating customers by tampering with dispensing units.
The action was taken under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the Odisha Legal Metrology (Enforcement) Rules, 2011, according to Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra.
Responding to a query in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, the Minister revealed that in the previous fiscal year (2024–25), fines totaling Rs 1.61 lakh were imposed on 15 fuel stations for similar violations. Regular raids and inspections are being conducted to ensure compliance and transparency in fuel delivery.
The Minister also highlighted efforts to address manpower shortages in the Directorate of Legal Metrology, where 151 out of 318 sanctioned posts remain vacant. Recruitment efforts are underway to strengthen enforcement capacity.
In addition to fuel pump monitoring, the government is also cracking down on substandard gold jewellery. Awareness campaigns are being run to promote BIS-hallmarked gold, and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is actively testing market samples to prevent hallmarking errors. Offenders face action under the BIS Act, 2016.
