KOLKATA: The age-old prohibition on the use of mobile phones at petrol pump has gone for a toss with oil marketing companies (OMCs) insisting and promoting mobile e-wallets at fuel station. Though there are some restrictions and demarcations still at place, they remain only on paper and reflect little in practice. As a result, from being a hazardous device, mobiles have become new ATM machines at pumps post demonetisation.
The Centre had prohibited use of mobiles at petrol pumps on June 27, 2002, and the ban was being followed since then. The manufacturers/ service providers of cellular phones also advise users to switch mobiles off at petrol pumps.

But the chief controller of explosives, who issued the prohibition, has now made a U-turn to tell department of industrial policy and promotion that it is completely safe to use mobile phone at retail outlets, according to a Bengal Petroleum Dealers’ Association member. The rush has increased as withdrawal of cash of up to Rs 2,000 by swiping their credit or debit cards through PoS machines is allowed.

In a letter [R.1 (1)137/Pet.Act.2012] dated December 19 issued to the director of ministry of petroleum and natural gas, T N Sahu, joint chief controller of explosives of Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), has clarified that in pursuance of Rule 102, 105 & Part C of Fourth Schedule under Petroleum Rules, 2002, it is clarified that there would be no objection for use of mobile wallet beyond the hazardous area around the petroleum dispenser in petroleum outlets licensed under the said rule.
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But there is a dichotomy in the promotion and the standard operating procedures (SOP) issued by OMCs. Petroleum dealers found these SOPs difficult to maintain. “Only dealers with adequate space can follow the new OMC guidelines. Others will face difficulty,” said Surojit Kolay, a member of West Bengal Petroleum Dealers Association.
“The PESO must have tweaked the age-old prohibition. But it does not rule out the element of risk. This will be dangerous for petrol pumps that have auto-LPG dispensing unit as well. The vapour is highly inflammable. It can blow up the entire station,” said Somendra Mohan Ghosh, an automobile and ignition expert.