Pune: Petrol Dealers To Halt Sending Tankers To Refill Depots From October 15
Pune: Petrol Dealers To Halt Sending Tankers To Refill Depots From October 15
A potential fuel crisis is likely to brew in Pune as the Petrol Dealers Association (PDA) has announced that its members will stop sending tankers to refill oil company depots starting October 15. This decision comes after a surge in fuel theft cases and allegedly unviable transportation rates set by oil companies.
Dhruv Ruparel, PDA president, revealed that there have been around 10 fuel theft cases in Pune district alone over the past two to three years, with the most recent case detected this month. Ruparel attributes these thefts to the oil companies’ “untenable” transportation rates.
“The rates offered do not cover the transport diesel cost required to fuel. This has created a situation where transporters resort to theft to make their operations viable,” said Dhruv Ruparel, President of PDA, Pune.
The association also criticized oil company officials for being negligent in implementing proper safety measures and vehicle tracking systems, contributing to continued thefts. “Company officials are ignorant about vehicle tracking systems and safety checks,” Ruparel added.
Ruparel emphasized that the association is urging oil companies to recognize the consequences of their low rates and withholding tankers until a new tender with fair rates is issued. Tenders are typically floated every 3 to 5 years, with bond rates set by the company.
A senior oil marketing company official expressed optimism that the issue would be resolved soon, stating that they had received an email from PDA. However, the move may impact fuel availability, with petrol pumps only able to sell existing stock. “We’re urging companies to recognize the consequences of their low rates. We will withhold the tankers until a new tender with fair rates is issued,” Ruparel said.
