While petrol prices have shot up considerably, non-compliance with legal standards by the fuel dispensing outlets further pinches the pockets of consumers. In this regard, the Legal Metrology Department of Jammu and Kashmir, under the supervision of the Controller Legal Metrology, sealed 30 fuel outlets across seven districts of the Kashmir division on Thursday. These outlets were found to be operating in violation of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, and the Petroleum Rules. This action was part of efforts to enforce laws governing the sale and distribution of petroleum products. Special inspection teams, constituted under a specific order from the Controller Legal Metrology, conducted simultaneous inspections in Budgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar and Anantnag. The inspections revealed that these outlets were engaged in unlawful practices, including the use of unverified nozzles and tampered measuring devices, both of which compromise the accuracy of fuel dispensation. Further investigation revealed that these fuel dispensing units were operating without the requisite authorisations from Oil Marketing Companies or the Petroleum and Safety Organisation. The nozzles used for delivering fuel lacked verification from the Legal Metrology Department, raising serious concerns about the accuracy of the quantities being delivered to consumers. In the absence of proper certification and checks, consumers were left vulnerable, with no guarantee of receiving the quantity of petrol or diesel for which they paid. The violations were found to contravene several sections of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, including Sections 12, 24, 26, and 30. These sections are critical in ensuring transparency, accuracy, and safety in trade and commerce. Additionally, the outlets were operating in breach of Rule 141 of the Petroleum Rules, along with Form XIII and Article 4, which outline stringent conditions for the safe handling and storage of flammable substances like petrol and diesel. Such violations not only undermine consumer trust but also pose major risks to public safety by disregarding essential safety standards. In response to these findings, the Legal Metrology Department promptly sealed the illegal outlets and registered cases against their owners and operators. Legal proceedings under the relevant provisions of the Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules are currently underway. The Controller Legal Metrology emphasised that these violations not only harm consumer interests but also create a hazardous environment due to the lack of adherence to safety protocols mandated by the Petroleum and Safety Organisation. The crackdown is welcome as it is a step towards maintaining transparency and ensuring compliance with regulatory norms. A senior official in the department stated that such inspection drives would continue to deter future violations and uphold consumer rights. The consumers were also urged to purchase fuel only from authorised outlets and to remain vigilant against any irregularities. Consumers were also encouraged to report instances of short delivery at fuel stations to the department. In fact, the role of public cooperation in curbing such illegal operations is vital. These drives should be stepped up across the union territory and the government should also ensure that the petrol sold is not adulterated.