Petroleum ministry’s clarification on fuel shortage in various states including Gujarat, Rajasthan

For some time now, news of petrol and diesel shortage at various petrol pumps in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh has been making headlines. In many states, the demand for diesel has also increased due to other agricultural activities including sowing of crops. At the same time, due to increase in the wholesale price of diesel, the burden on petrol pumps has increased. For this reason, private companies are cutting down on the sale of fuel to avoid the loss.

There is no shortage of diesel or petrol at the petrol pumps of Indian Oil. But there is a problem of supply at the pumps connected with Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum. People associated with the industry say that the stock of petrol and diesel is sufficient in front of the demand in the country, but due to local transport problems, a situation of temporary shortage has arisen. Apart from this, the demand has also increased due to the local election related activities in many states.

In this case, it has been said by the government that due to reduction in sales by private companies, the pressure on petrol pumps associated with public sector oil companies has increased. For this reason, there is a shortage of petrol and diesel at petrol pumps in many states. According to the Ministry of Petroleum, sufficient supply is being provided to meet the additional demand.

The Petroleum Ministry has admitted that due to increase in demand, there has been a reduction in PSU supply, which has increased the hardships of the customers. According to the ministry, in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, mainly private companies sell petrol and diesel through petrope pumps. Private companies have cut fuel supply. Apart from this, oil terminals and depots in the states are located far away, which is causing supply problems at petrol pumps.

Government oil companies Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum are not increasing the price of petrol and diesel compared to crude oil. These companies are selling petrol at a loss of Rs 14 to 18 per liter and diesel at a loss of Rs 20 to 25 per liter. Private companies like Naira Energy, Geo-BP and Shell are not in a position to bear the loss.