These notices say no cash payments at IOC Priyaradshini Fuels petrol bunk in Hubballi
These notices say no cash payments at IOC Priyaradshini Fuels petrol bunk in Hubballi These notices say no cash payments at IOC Priyaradshini Fuels petrol bunk in Hubballi These notices say no cash payments at IOC Priyaradshini Fuels petrol bunk in Hubballi These notices say no cash payments at IOC Priyaradshini Fuels petrol bunk in Hubballi Hubballi : Even as the trading community prepares to observe ‘No UPI Day’ across the country, Priyadarshini Fuels, an Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) petrol pump operated by Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation (KHDC), has stopped accepting cash payments in Hubballi from Sept 9. Pump staff are reportedly refusing fuel to customers opting to pay in cash. The move has raised questions over its legality, with consumer rights activists pointing out that digital payments are encouraged but there is no notification making them mandatory.
KHDC managing director Garima Panwar, who has since been transferred, said in a circular dated Sept 9 that cash transactions were being stopped to encourage digital payments and avoid cash handling. Mayur (name changed), a customer, said he lodged a grievance on the IOC website on Sept 23 but no action had followed. Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news.
IT entrepreneur Veeru Uppin told TOI that digital payments should be encouraged to avoid problems involving change and currency notes. Sometimes, people using digital payments may not have sufficient balance in their accounts,” he said, adding that he was surprised to see the cash-ban notice at the pump. “IOC has neither announced a ban on cash transactions on its website nor taken action over the KHDC order,” he said. Advocate and activist KH Patil said there was no such notification from the govt or IOC. When both cash and digital payments are permitted, customers should have a choice,” he said. “People can be encouraged to prefer digital payments, but they cannot be forced,” he said. KHDC Hubballi manager Suresh Devasur said the decision followed alleged cash misappropriation by some outsourced staff. We will discuss the issue with higher officials and take appropriate action,” he said. IOC Hubballi sales officer Aravala Abhiram said he was unaware of the development. “We will meet KHDC officials soon and suggest that they withdraw the order,” he said.
“Consumers can use UPI/QR code, debit card, credit card, bank transfer or other approved digital modes available at the bunk. Staff are strictly instructed not to accept cash,” the circular stated. “However, they cannot be made mandatory as a large section of the population is still unfamiliar with digital platforms. “Without an appropriate law, forcing customers to make digital payments is illegal. Patil pointed out that daily-wage workers, autorickshaw drivers, domestic workers and digitally inexperienced senior citizens could face difficulties. “With the fear of misappropriation of larger amounts, we adopted only digital payment methods. The move was not aimed at harassing the public. Download the TOI App.