Lok Sabha Question No. 3095 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-18
Subject: Installation of Firefighting and Emergency Response Systems at all Petrol Pumps
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Gurjeet Singh Aujla

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3095 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 th  December, 2025

## Installation of Firefighting and Emergency Response Systems at all Petrol Pumps

## 3095. SHRI GURJEET SINGH AUJLA:

## पेĚोͧलयम एवं Ĥाक ृ Ǔतक गैस मंğी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Ministry has assessed the current status of firefighting and emergency response systems installed at all petrol pumps both new and existing, particularly those located in rural villages, border areas and near refineries across the Amritsar district and other border belts across the country, if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the Ministry along with concerned Departments proposes to conduct risk assessments and mock drills in these high-risk zones, if so, the details thereof;

- (c)  whether  emergency  preparedness  protocols  are  being  implemented  to  address  fire  outbreaks  or chemical hazards, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether petrol pumps and refineries are adequately equipped with modern automatic firefighting systems,  trained  personnel,  fire  sensors  and  preventive  monitoring  mechanisms,  if  so,  the  details thereof; and

(e)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Ministry  to  ensure  the  safety  of  civilians  and  property  in  the  event  of explosions or any such mishaps?

## ANSWER

पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũालय मŐ राǛमंũी ( ŵी सुरे श गोपी )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a) to (e)  The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has notified PNGRB (Technical Standards and  Specifications including  Safety  Standards  for  Dispensing  of  Automotive  Fuels) Regulations, 2018, which, inter alia, includes provisions with respect to fire prevention & protection facilities  at  Retail  outlets  (RO)  dispensing  Automotive fuels  such  as  Motor  Spirit  (MS),  High  Speed Diesel (HSD) and their variants. As per the said regulations, any entity which intends to set up a retail outlet,  is  required  to  make  available  its  plan  including  design  consideration  conforming  to  these Regulations to Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) for its approval. Further, PNGRB has notified (Codes of Practices for Emergency Response and Disaster Management Plan (ERDMP)) Regulations, 2010, under which entities owning ROs shall ensure the availability of emergency control systems and facilities which includes Fire protection & Firefighting system, etc.

The PNGRB Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards mandate the following measures:-

- i. Annual safety audit by an officer of the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) or its authorised representative.
- ii. Electrical safety audit once every three years.
- iii. Weekly safety checks by the dealership or operating personnel.
- iv. Mock Drills conducted on quarterly basis as mandated in PNGRB - ERDMP regulations.

Public  Sector  Oil  Marketing  Companies  (OMCs)  namely  Indian  Oil  Corporation  Limited  (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have informed that adequate resources for fire safety are provided at their Retail Outlets (ROs) [petrol pumps] both new and existing, including those located in rural villages, border areas and near refineries across the Amritsar district and other border belts across the country in all State/ UT as per Petroleum and  Explosives  Safety  Organization  (PESO)  Guidelines.  A  RO  is  commissioned  only  after  strictly following  stipulations  as  laid  out  in  Petroleum  Rules  2002,  as  amended  from  time  to  time.  After compliance with all the said stipulations, PESO grants license to Public Sector OMCs to operate the RO.  Further,  the  Public  Sector  OMCs  strive  to  maintain  these  standards  by  means  of  regular  and surprise inspection, and strict action is taken as per Marketing Discipline Guidelines (MDG) in case deficiencies are noticed.

PNGRB  (Codes  of  Practices  for  Emergency  Response  and  Disaster  Management  Plan  (ERDMP) Regulations, 2010, mandate imparting of training and refresher courses to all the personnel (including employees, contract workers, transport crew and security personnel) likely to be involved directly or indirectly in emergency handling at ROs. Public Sector OMCs also provide regular training on safety aspects to petrol pump dealers and their staff. Periodic check-up of all fire-fighting systems available at retail outlets are checked and corrective action is taken immediately, if required.

Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) studies are carried out at Refineries and for various category of Petrol Pumps based on combinations of products handled at these Petrol Pumps, which help assess risks and guide measures to protect nearby people and property.

Further,  refineries  are  equipped  with  modern  automatic  firefighting  systems,  trained  personnel,  fire sensors  and  preventive  monitoring  mechanisms  as  stipulated  under  various  applicable  statutory, regulatory and Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) standard requirements.

Emergency preparedness and firefighting arrangements are designed and installed not only to protect unit  personnel  and  assets  but  also  to  ensure  the  safety  of  neighbouring  communities  and  prevent collateral  damage  to  civilian  property.  Awareness  programs  are  conducted  periodically  for  local communities and schools in nearby areas to ensure public awareness of safety procedures. Onsite-cumOffsite drills are also carried out in the presence of District authorities and mutual aid partners.

District authorities are also invited to witness preparedness in handling various emergencies during the on-site  disaster  management  drills  and  suggestions,  if  any  are  included  in  emergency  preparedness plan.

These provisions collectively ensure regular monitoring and adherence to safety norms including fire safety at ROs.

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