There was news last week that Ministry of Commerce and related departments had actually conducted a surprise inspection of roughly 70 gas stations and recommended action against eight petrol pumps found dispensing adulterated oils. The samples were tested at government laboratories. Among the errant gas stations, three are to be fined Rs 75,000 each, and one is to be barred from doing business for six months. It also plans to press formal charges against the others. The maximum punishment for offenders under the consumer protection act is a fine of Rs 100,000, imprisonment for two years, or both.