Guwahati – In a decisive move to combat illegal diesel transportation and tax evasion, the Assam government has introduced strict documentation requirements for the movement of Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) within the state.
Transporters must now produce a Road Permit in Form-62, an invoice, a consignment note, and a transporter’s manifesto under the Assam VAT Act to ensure transparency and prevent revenue losses.
The decision comes as part of a broader crackdown on fuel smuggling, particularly in border districts and areas adjoining international boundaries.
Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, state authorities have launched a high-intensity vigilance operation and joint enforcement measures across key transit points.
In a high-level video conference, Assam Chief Secretary engaged with Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to assess the situation and implement immediate action plans. The Commissioner & Secretary of the Finance Department highlighted that illegal fuel transportation had significantly impacted VAT collections, necessitating urgent intervention.
To counteract this, the Tax Department and Police Administration have been tasked with drafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), incorporating penal provisions to curb the illicit influx of petroleum products. The Petroleum Dealers Association also raised concerns over the illegal trade, prompting authorities to strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
As part of the intensified crackdown, joint operations involving police and tax officials have been ordered in high-risk districts. Special directives have been issued to the SPs and DCs of Lakhimpur and Tinsukia, instructing them to coordinate with tax officials for immediate joint vigilance operations.
Additional measures include strict monitoring of fuel movement between Assam and neighboring states, along with mandatory inspections of storage facilities at petrol pumps. The government has also ordered the implementation of GPS tracking systems in fuel tankers to prevent unauthorized diversions.
The meeting was attended by the Director General of Police (DGP), the Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, and officials from all relevant stakeholder departments. With public safety and revenue losses at stake, the Assam government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy against fuel smuggling, pledging swift and decisive action to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance in the petroleum sector.
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