Noida: Petrol pump owners fear violence by customers over 'No helmet, no fuel' rule

Noida: Apprehensive over 'No helmet, no fuel' rule in Noida, petrol pump owners have expressed concern over incidents of possible violence by customers. The Gautam Budh Nagar district administration is set to implement the rule from June 1. The fuel station owners say their biggest concern is the local residents who may resort to violence if they are denied fuel citing new rules.

Meanwhile, workers across various petrol pumps in Gautam Budh Nagar have questioned its implementation.

"The brunt of this policy will fall directly on petrol pump employees. Our biggest fear is local residents, who live in localities nearby. We are bound to face resistance from them,” an Indian Express report quoted Sukhpal, a petrol pump supervisor, as saying.

The new rules say that no petrol will be given to two-wheeler rider if they are driving without helmets. Officials say the endeavour is aimed to enhance road safety.

The district officials on May 15 held a meeting with petrol pump owners to seek their feedback on the policy. The district officials have asked the fuel stations to install hoardings and banners in an attempt to create awareness among customers about the new policy.

“We need constant police vigil and monitoring. The administration has promised us action in case someone creates a ruckus. But for how many cases will this happen? Even today, when we told a driver about the move, he asked us to mind our own business. They tell us not wearing a helmet is their choice and our job is to give them fuel. The move is great, but it will come at the cost of our safety,” the report quoted another fuel pump attendant near Pari Chowk in Noida.

The pump attendants say the situation gets more ugly at nights as student customers from nearby colleges get into heated arguments on trivial issues and denying them fuel over helmet could prove dangerous.