Petroleum Dealers Seek Clear SOP During Poll Period

Chennai:The Tamil Nadu Petrol Dealers Association (TNPDA), which represents over 7,100 retail outlets across the state, has filed a petition with the state Election Commission to formulate a clear standard operating procedure (SOP) for the movement of cash and fuel during the assembly election season.

TNPDA chairman KP Murali, in his letter addressed to the Additional Chief Electoral Officer, highlighted the unique operational challenges faced by dealers and noted that nearly 75 per cent of daily transactions are cash-based. With daily collections ranging from ₹ 2 lakh to ₹ 30 lakh per store, the association emphasized that this money should be moved daily as bank deposits or escrow to ensure timely payments to oil companies and avoid situations of fuel “drying up”.

To prevent legitimate trading funds from being seized by flight crews (FS) or static surveillance teams (SST), EGM proactively instructed its members to carry a comprehensive set of “standard verification documents”. This set of documents includes a bank authorization letter or money order request, a one-page franchise agreement as proof of ownership, and a formal authorization letter from the dealer for the specific person handling the money.

To ensure full transparency during inspections, transporters are required to carry a copy of the “daily sales summary” and a photocopy of the authorized person’s Aadhaar card.

The petition also touched upon the logistical complexities of transporting petroleum products, which are classified as essential commodities. Modern tankers are equipped with advanced E-locking systems controlled by digital keys or OTPs; these systems absolutely prevent compartments from opening during transit between supply warehouses and retail stores.

The association demanded that the enforcement teams facilitate the unhindered movement of these tankers after verification of valid invoices and crew identification information, noting that if the authorities have concerns, the locks can be opened in their presence at the final destination.

Copies of this request were forwarded to the Director General of Police and all district collectors to ensure coordinated action across the state.