Kolkata, June 28 -- The Bengal government on Sunday relaxed restrictions on the sale of diesel in containers and barrels for several essential sectors that were imposed by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas earlier this year amid the West Asia conflict.

The development was announced by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on his X handle.

"We have directed the major oil companies to exempt vital sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, food supply, public services and tea gardens from the fuel restriction regulations. Individuals and organisations associated with these sectors can now purchase and carry diesel in containers or barrels, and the daily supply limit has also been relaxed," Adhikari posted.

He said the restrictions had caused "extreme distress" to farmers, hospitals and other essential service providers, prompting the state to seek exemptions.

"Our government is committed to ensuring that the daily lives of ordinary people, emergency services and the state's economy continue without disruption," he said, adding that customers need only produce basic identification documents to obtain diesel at retail outlets.

The restrictions were introduced under the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026 following concerns over fuel availability amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Under the order, diesel could be dispensed only into vehicle fuel tanks or Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)-approved containers. Sales were capped at 200 litres per customer a day, while industrial and commercial establishments were barred from purchasing fuel from retail outlets. The Centre said the temporary measures were aimed at preventing bulk purchases and diversion of fuel meant for ordinary consumers.

Adhikari also posted on X handle a letter from the secretary of the state Food and Supplies Department to major oil companies, asking them to direct all retail outlet dealers and pump operators to ensure hassle-free fuel supply to authorised representatives of the exempted sectors. Consumers have been advised to present institutional identity cards, trade registration documents, land records or official requisitions for quick verification at fuel stations.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.