Checked against the Marketing Discipline Guidelines 2024 (Ver. 1, effective 24.10.2024) on 31 October 2026. Published by MDG Services on 31 October 2026.
Density records
How many litres must run through the pump before the after-tanker density sample?
At least 50 litres, to clear the line. Then draw a nozzle sample and write its 15°C density in the density register MDG 1.2(xiv). See the density register.
An inspector arrives at 9 AM. Which density figure can he ask for?
The previous morning's reading, or the after-tanker reading if a load came the day before. After 10 AM it is that morning's reading, or the after-tanker reading if a load has come that day MDG 5.1.9. See reference density.
What happens if the reference density is not available at an inspection?
Sales and supplies of all products stop and samples go to the lab. A passing sample is a major irregularity (15 days' suspension at the first instance); a failing one is treated as adulteration, which is critical MDG 5.1.9 MDG 8.3 MDG 8.2.
Samples
Which tank lorry samples does a dealer draw and keep?
Per load, 2 x 1 litre of petrol and/or 1 x 1 litre of diesel, sealed and signed with the driver before decanting. For each tank, keep the samples of the last two loads MDG 2.3 MDG 2.9.2. See the retention sample.
How many bottles does an oil company officer take from each tank?
Six 1-litre bottles from each petrol tank and three from each diesel tank, in three equal sets for the dealer, the oil company's office and the lab MDG 2.4.1 MDG 2.4.2. A mobile lab takes them only if a sample fails MDG 2.4.4. See inspector samples.
Quality checks
Where is the water dip recorded, and what if water is found?
Daily, in the stock register; report water to the controlling company office at once MDG 1.4.1(b). On a tanker, test each compartment with water finding paste before decanting MDG 1.2(vii). See water finding paste.
Filter paper test for petrol: which paper must a dealer keep?
Whatman 2, to check petrol. A customer who asks must be able to use it MDG 1.4.1(a). See the filter paper test.
What follows a failed density or filter paper test?
The oil company officer suspends sales and supplies of all products and samples go for priority testing; a failed mobile lab test leads to the same MDG 2.5(K). If a lab report then fails, the dealer can ask within 10 days of the report for his own sample to be re-tested, at his cost MDG 2.5(H). See failed samples.
What does a mobile lab test?
Appearance, colour, density at 15°C and distillation, plus viscosity at 40°C for diesel. It runs them whatever the density result MDG 7.4. See the mobile lab.
Other parts: part 1 and part 3.
General information, not legal advice. For your own notice, speak to an advocate or your oil company.
Questions dealers ask
01When are samples drawn from a petrol pump?
At random, covering at least 2% of outlets every month, and after a failed density or filter paper test, stock variation beyond the limit, a special drive or a complaint MDG 2.4. A joint industry team can sample whatever the quick tests show MDG 2.4.3.
02Retention sample kitne din rakhte hai? How long is a retention sample kept?
For the dealer, MDG counts loads, not days: the tank lorry samples of the last two loads of each tank MDG 2.9.2. A set an inspector leaves stays with the dealer until testing and what follows are finished MDG 2.9.2. A supply location keeps its sample at least 30 days MDG 2.9.1.
03What is the permissible density variation at a petrol pump?
At receipt, the tanker's 15°C reading may differ from the invoice density by no more than ±3.0 kg/m³ MDG 1.2(iv). The mobile lab report prints a maximum variation of 3.0 kg/m³ between your tank's density after the last receipt and the officer's reading MDG Annexure 12a MDG Annexure 13a.
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.