Amendment for Resolution dated 08.11.2019 regarding Marketing of Transportation Fuels

## Report on Amendment to Resolution on Private Sector Participation in Fuel Retail **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the Government of India's Resolution No. P120291122018OMCPNG dated 08.11.2019, which aimed to increase private sector participation in fuel retail. The amendment, enacted on June 17, 2022, focuses on ensuring the commitment of authorized entities to maintain an uninterrupted fuel supply. The key changes involve reinforcing the obligation to provide retail services, including to retail outlets, and emphasizing adherence to Universal Service Obligations. This amendment aims to strengthen the reliability and accessibility of fuel supply across the country. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the amendment to the Government of India's Resolution No. P120291122018OMCPNG concerning private sector participation in fuel retail, as published in the Gazette of India on June 17, 2022. The analysis is based solely on the text provided. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** Resolution No. P120291122018OMCPNG dated 08.11.2019. * **Core Objective(s):** * Increasing private sector participation in fuel retail. * Encouraging dispensing of alternate fuels. * Augmenting the retail network in remote areas. * Ensuring higher levels of customer service. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment is likely intended to address concerns regarding the reliability of fuel supply under the original 2019 resolution. The text indicates an explicit desire to ensure "uninterrupted fuel supply in the country at all times" and references the "Retail Service Obligation," suggesting potential issues with maintaining consistent service levels. The amendment seeks to solidify the commitments of authorized entities to meet these obligations. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This section details the specific changes introduced by the amendment. * **Change 1:** Clause 6.2.4 of the original resolution is amended to include the words "retail outlets including" after "for" in the head note and after "in respect of" in the first line. * **Effect:** This change clarifies that the provisions of Clause 6.2.4 apply to *all* retail outlets. It reinforces the responsibility of authorized entities regarding retail service at all outlets. * **Change 2:** In Clause 6.2.5, subclause ii, in line 1, the words "adherence to Universal Service Obligation" are inserted after the words "in terms of". * **Effect:** This explicitly links the provisions of Clause 6.2.5 to the concept of Universal Service Obligation (USO). It emphasizes that authorized entities are obligated to meet the requirements of USO within the context of this policy. This likely implies a broader and more encompassing responsibility to provide fuel services universally. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by these changes include: * Authorized entities participating in fuel retail under the 2019 Resolution. * Operators and owners of retail fuel outlets. * Consumers of MS (Motor Spirit) and HSD (High-Speed Diesel), particularly those in remote areas. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is responsible for implementing and overseeing this amended resolution. * **Timelines or procedures:** The amendment comes into force immediately ("at once") and remains in effect until further orders. The text does not specify any particular procedures for implementation, but it implies that the Ministry will likely monitor adherence to the reinforced retail service obligations and the Universal Service Obligation. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of these specific changes include: * **Improved Reliability of Fuel Supply:** By emphasizing the commitment to uninterrupted fuel supply, the amendment aims to minimize disruptions and ensure a consistent flow of fuel to consumers. * **Enhanced Service at Retail Outlets:** Including "retail outlets" explicitly in Clause 6.2.4 underscores the importance of service quality and availability at the point of sale. * **Greater Universal Access to Fuel:** Linking Clause 6.2.5 to Universal Service Obligation likely aims to ensure that fuel services are accessible to all, regardless of location or other factors. This could particularly benefit consumers in remote areas. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to Resolution No. P120291122018OMCPNG signifies a strengthening of the government's commitment to ensuring reliable and universal fuel access in India. By reinforcing retail service obligations and explicitly referencing the Universal Service Obligation, the amendment aims to address potential shortcomings in the original resolution and improve the overall fuel supply chain.

Key Entities Referenced