Checked against the Marketing Discipline Guidelines 2024 (Ver. 1, effective 24.10.2024) on 15 October 2026. Published by MDG Services on 23 October 2026.
The seals and the daily check
W&M seals sit on the metering unit and on the totalizer (in plain words, the counter that keeps the unit's running total). Each is a sealing wire closed with a lead seal embossed by the W&M inspector MDG 5.1.2(b).
Every day, on each unit, the dealer confirms both seals are correct and the W&M certificate is valid MDG 1.4.2(a). If a seal is found tampered, sales through that unit stop at once, the controlling oil company office is told immediately, and the unit stays closed until new seals are fitted MDG 1.4.2(a).
What counts as tampered
- No seal on the unit MDG 5.1.2(b).
- A seal the W&M inspector did not emboss MDG 5.1.2(b).
- A sealing wire broken apart MDG 5.1.2(b).
- Any other situation that could let the delivery, the quantity or the totalizer be manipulated may also be treated as tampering MDG 5.1.2(b).
- A totalizer seal that allows the reading to be manipulated, or a totalizer deliberately put out of action MDG 5.1.3.
- A totalizer that stopped working and was not reported to the oil company MDG 5.1.3. MDG calls for a generator or UPS, which matters for an electronic totalizer in a power cut MDG 1.5(ix).
W&M's opinion is final MDG 5.1.2(b) MDG 5.1.3, and action follows even if the delivery was correct or in excess MDG 5.1.2(b). For example, a totalizer's lead seal is not the one W&M embossed, though the unit delivers exactly 5 litres: it still counts as tampered.
Note: MDG does not say that reporting a broken seal first changes how the finding is classed. Ask your oil company.
Fittings, chips and software
Parts added, removed, swapped or interfered with count as tampering, as does any fitting or gear that could alter the delivery. That includes a chip, electronic parts and software; the manufacturer's independent view is sought MDG 5.1.4. The clause names no exception for repairs, so ask your oil company before anyone opens a unit.
After a finding
- The unit stops selling, is sealed, and samples of all products go to the lab MDG 5.1.2(b) MDG 5.1.3 MDG 5.1.4.
- The action is termination at the first instance MDG 8.2.
- The dealership's signatories or their nominees get a personal hearing before termination is recommended or approved MDG 8.6.
Timelines: show cause notices and appeals against termination. A pump that delivers short with its seals intact is minor MDG 8.4(iii)(h): see the 5 litre test.
General information, not legal advice. For your own notice, speak to an advocate or your oil company.
Watch the one-minute explainer
Questions dealers ask
01What is a totalizer seal at a petrol pump?
The W&M seal on the totalizer unit, which the dealer checks every day MDG 1.4.2(a).
02What counts as a tampered seal under MDG 2024?
A missing seal, a seal the W&M inspector did not emboss, or a broken sealing wire MDG 5.1.2(b). On the totalizer, a seal that allows the reading to be manipulated counts too MDG 5.1.3.
03How often is the W&M seal on a petrol pump checked, and what if it is broken?
Every day. If it is broken or missing, stop sales through that unit at once, tell the oil company, and keep the unit closed until new seals are fitted MDG 1.4.2(a).
04Is a pump penalised for a broken seal if it delivers the correct quantity?
Yes. W&M's opinion is final, and action follows even when the delivery is correct or in excess MDG 5.1.2(b).
05Is replacing a part or the software of a dispensing unit tampering?
It can be: the clause makes no exception for repairs MDG 5.1.4. Ask your oil company first.
Read the official text: Marketing Discipline Guidelines 2024 (PDF on Bharat Petroleum's website) (also published on iocl.com).
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