SANGHAR, Nov 29: More than 100 makeshift mini petrol pumps are selling petrol and diesel in the district, according to a survey conducted by this correspondent.

Their owners have installed electric pumps and connected it to drums or tanks for drawing fuel for customers.

Usually their measuring equipment are faulty and they supply at least two to three points less to a litre. At some places these mini pumps are situated in congested areas and lack fire extinguishing equipment and other safety measures.

The mini pumps are scattered in the entire district and towns like Sinjhoro, Jhol, Khadro, Shahpur Chakar, Phuladiyoon, Bashirabad, Perumal, Naoabad, Barhoon, Kandiari and Tagusar.

Under the defunct system of district magistrates, deputy commissioner was authorized to grant permission under form "J" to stock limited quantities of fuel for personal use but the permission has been used for running mini petrol pumps.

In 2,000, the ministry of petroleum and natural resources wrote a letter (PL-5(143)2000 comp-II) to provincial chief secretaries informing them that mini petrol pumps operating under form "J" were illegal and should be closed down.

However, neither the officials concerned have paid heed to these instructions nor the operators of these pumps have got their licenses renewed. At some places, they have not bothered to get permission even. Existence of the pumps is in the knowledge of police and other departments concerned but no one is ready to take action against them.