Ghatkopar billboard collapse: Oil regulator orders risk assessment at all petrol pumps

NEW DELHI: The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has mandated a comprehensive risk assessment of all petrol pumps in India to identify potential safety hazards, including hoardings and billboards that could pose risks.

This action follows the tragic May 13 incident in which a giant billboard collapsed onto a petrol pump in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, killing 17 and injuring 75.

In a December 6 directive, PNGRB stated that it had set up an inquiry committee to investigate the incident at a Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) pump, which was struck by the billboard during a sudden dust and rainstorm.

While the findings of the committee remain undisclosed, the PNGRB has instructed all fuel retailers to review and implement a mitigation plan based on the recommendations of the final report.

Retailers have been given a one-month deadline to ensure that the layout and capacity of all outlets, as well as structures within and around 100 meters, comply with safety guidelines.

The regulator has specifically urged fuel companies to assess hoardings, billboards, and other structures for potential safety risks.

Additionally, a mitigation plan must be developed to address any identified hazards, including the removal or reinforcement of dangerous structures.

All petrol pumps are required to adhere to PNGRB’s dispensing rules, and a timeline for implementing corrective measures must be submitted.

As of October 31, India has 92,508 petrol pumps, with state-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) operating the most outlets at 38,432. Other major players include Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) with 22,631 pumps, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) with 22,549 outlets.

Private sector companies like Nayara Energy and Reliance Industries also own significant numbers of outlets.


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