An unexpected incident unfolded on June 26, 2025, when multiple vehicles in the convoy of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav broke down shortly after refuelling at a BPCL petrol station in Ratlam. The affected vehicles had to be manually pushed off the road and parked after their engines failed to function.
The incident took place around 10 PM at Shakti Fuels, located in Dosigaon, Ratlam. The convoy was en route ahead of CM Yadav’s scheduled attendance at the Regional Industry, Skill and Employment Conclave, MP Rise 2025. Following the breakdown, authorities swiftly arranged alternative vehicles from Indore, while the fuel station was sealed by the district administration.
According to officials, fuel samples were immediately collected and sent for testing. Additional Collector Shalini Shrivastava confirmed that shortly after refuelling, several vehicles stopped working due to suspected fuel contamination. The administration acted promptly by sealing the petrol pump and halting all fuel sales at the station.
BPCL Cites Heavy Rainfall as Cause, Assures Action
In a public statement released on June 29, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) acknowledged the issue and attributed the contamination to “unusual heavy rainfall” that allowed water to seep into the underground diesel storage tank. The company clarified that while diesel was affected, petrol stored at the station remained uncontaminated.
“Preliminary inspections conducted by government officials, including the Food Inspector and Tehsildar, revealed the presence of water in the underground High-Speed Diesel (HSD) tank,” the BPCL statement read. The company emphasized that standard operating procedures had been followed by the dealer earlier in the day, and no irregularities were found during initial checks.
The fuel station has since been shut down following official directives, and a formal notice has been issued to the dealership. BPCL added that it is fully cooperating with authorities and has initiated corrective and preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.
Fuel samples are currently under analysis, and results are expected soon. Meanwhile, the incident has raised concerns about fuel safety and quality assurance, especially in critical government convoys and high-security operations.
Four ways of preventing contaminated fuel?
Here are four ways to prevent contamination of fuel with water in a vehicle’s tank:
- Avoid Refuelling During or After Heavy Rain: Water may seep into underground tanks at older or poorly maintained pumps.
- Use Reliable Fuel Stations: Prefer pumps with a good service record and footfall.
- Keep Tank Full in Monsoon: This reduces condensation and water buildup.
- Install a Water Separator (for diesel vehicles): It can filter out moisture before it enters the engine.
(With inputs from PTI)
