Using mobile wallet at petrol pumps risky

Warangal: Since demonetisation from November 8, the growth in digital payments, wireless card-swipe machines and payments by e-wallets has become a regular feature at many places including at petrol bunks. But the oil companies are apparently in no position to pay attention to the risk that the sudden rise in usage of mobile phones in a ‘switched on’ state and other electronic payments devices can pose at fuel stations. Ajay, a Chemistry lecturer said, "The use of mobile phones is prohibited at petrol pumps as it represents a potential source of ignition to the flammable vapours which may be present in the atmosphere at retails outlets."

The Indian government has banned using mobiles phones at petrol pumps since June 27, 2002. The manufacturers or service providers of cellular phones also advise users to keep mobile phones in the ‘off mode’ at petrol pumps, he added.

Lakshman, an advocate said that in pursuance of Rule 102, 105 and Part C of Fourth Schedule under Petroleum Rules-2002, it is certified that there would be no objection for use of POS unit/mobile e-wallet beyond the hazardous area around the petroleum dispenser in petroleum retail outlets licensed under the said rules. It also states that the ‘use of POS unit or mobile e-wallet shall be avoided while fuelling the vehicles and the hazardous area (Zone1) around the fuel stations’. he added. However, the words of caution such as ‘Turn off Cell Phones’ are thrown to wind at many fuelling stations by pump owners and administrators here in Warangal.