Zalod: Petrol smuggling along the Rajasthan–Gujarat border is on the rise, with illegal fuel trade thriving in parts of Dahod district’s Zalod region, allegedly taking advantage of the price difference between the two states. Despite enforcement mechanisms on both sides of the border, petrol is being openly filled into drums and bottles at petrol pumps in Gujarat and transported into Rajasthan without hindrance.

Petrol currently costs ₹95.70 per litre in Gujarat, while the price in Rajasthan stands at ₹106.21 per litre, creating a gap that smugglers appear to be exploiting. It is learnt that petrol sourced from Gujarat is being sold illegally at nearly 90 shops and roadside stalls across an 18-km stretch near the Rajasthan border, particularly in Banswara district.

At several petrol pumps in Zalod, attendants were seen filling petrol directly into plastic drums, gallons and bottles without any apparent restriction. Vehicles bearing Rajasthan registration numbers, including vans, dumpers and two-wheelers, were frequently spotted at these pumps. One petrol pump displayed a board advertising cheaper diesel compared to Rajasthan, openly encouraging cross-border fuel purchases.

The illegal trade continues beyond Gujarat’s border. Near Dhavadiya, the first police checkpoint in Gujarat, petrol markets selling fuel in drums and bottles were found operating outside roadside shops. Similar scenes were reported near Rajasthan’s last checkpoints at Monadungar and Anas in Banswara district, raising questions about enforcement on both sides.

Selling petrol in open containers is not only dangerous, but it is also impacting the business of legitimate petrol pump operators in Rajasthan, as people opt to buy smuggled fuel at cheaper prices.

Meanwhile, Banswara supply officer Omprakash Jhotad said that selling petrol in bottles is illegal and assured action. “If petrol is being sold in bottles, it is wrong. Necessary action will be taken,” he said. DeshGujarat