Checked against the Marketing Discipline Guidelines 2024 (Ver. 1, effective 24.10.2024) on 15 October 2026. Published by MDG Services on 21 October 2026.
When MDG brings termination
The notice, the reply and, for critical irregularities, a hearing come first: see the show cause timeline. For a petrol pump dealer, MDG itself names termination in three places:
- A critical irregularity, at the first instance MDG 8.2.
- A major irregularity, at the third instance, or the second for selling normal fuel as branded fuel MDG 8.3.
- A fine left unpaid through the extended suspension MDG 8.7.
See the penalty pages.
Who approves the action
| Action | Who approves | Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Termination, and every critical irregularity | The Regional, State or Zonal head of the oil company, General Manager level or above | MDG 8.8(i) |
| Termination of an SC/ST dealership | The Director (Marketing) at Head Office | MDG 8.8(i) |
| A major irregularity | IndianOil: the State Retail Head. BPCL and HPCL: an authorised officer of Deputy General Manager rank or above, at State, Region or Zonal level | MDG 8.8(ii) |
| A minor irregularity | The head of the Territory, Regional or Divisional office | MDG 8.8(iii) |
The appeal
The dealer appeals within 30 days of receiving the termination order. The appeal is addressed to the Appellate Authority and sent through the divisional, territory or regional office MDG 8.9.
| Case | Appellate Authority | Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Not SC/ST; approved below ED rank in the State Office | The ED (Retail) at Head Office, or another ED-level officer there whom the company nominates | MDG 8.9 |
| Not SC/ST; approved by an ED-rank officer in the State Office | A committee of 2 EDs whom the company nominates | MDG 8.9 |
| An SC/ST dealership | A committee of two Directors other than the Director (Marketing) | MDG 8.9 |
For example, an order received on 10 November 2026 leaves until 10 December 2026 to file. MDG does not say how days are counted.
What MDG 2024 leaves open
- It gives no appeal form and does not list the papers to attach.
- Clause 8.9 speaks of termination only. It sets out no separate appeal for a suspension or a fine MDG 8.9.
General information, not legal advice. For your own notice, speak to an advocate or your oil company.
Questions dealers ask
01Can a petrol pump dealer appeal against termination under MDG, and within how many days?
Yes. Where MDG is invoked to terminate a dealership, the dealer can appeal within 30 days of receiving the order, through the divisional, territory or regional office MDG 8.9.
02Who hears the appeal against termination of a petrol pump dealership?
Not SC/ST: the ED (Retail) at Head Office or another ED-level officer there if the approver ranked below ED in the State Office, or a committee of 2 EDs if an ED-rank officer in the State Office approved. SC/ST: a committee of two Directors other than Director (Marketing) MDG 8.9.
03How long does an appeal against termination take?
The aim is a decision preferably within 90 days of filing at the divisional, territory or regional office. "Preferably" makes this a target, not a fixed deadline MDG 8.9.
04Does an appeal stop the termination?
MDG 2024 does not say whether the termination stays in force while an appeal is pending. For your own order, speak to an advocate or your oil company.
05Does MDG cover petrol pump lease termination?
MDG 2024 deals with termination of the dealership for irregularities and does not mention land or premises leases. A lease follows its own agreement and the law.
Read the official text: Marketing Discipline Guidelines 2024 (PDF on Bharat Petroleum's website) (also published on iocl.com).
Related pages
About Dealer Kavach (advertisement)
Dealer Kavach is an app from MDG Services that tracks your outlet's filings, renewals, inspections and daily reports, and reminds you before deadlines, in Hindi and English.