Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
In the backdrop of the US-Iran conflict, oil companies have enforced an advance payment policy, exposing the functioning of petrol pump operators in the city. Accustomed to delayed payments for years, many operators are now struggling to pay in advance, resulting in several pumps running ‘dry’ on Wednesday. The brunt of this poor planning is being borne directly by motorists.
With many pumps running out of fuel and displaying “No Petrol” signs, panic spread among citizens, leading to long queues at available outlets. Despite collecting cash from customers, several pump operators reportedly failed to make advance payments to oil companies. When supply stopped, the same operators put up “No Petrol” boards, triggering panic among the public. Petrol pumps that paid in advance continued to receive regular supply. However, due to closure of other pumps, long queues were seen at operational outlets, continuing till late night.
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Shortage begins from Beed Bypass
The fuel crisis began at Beed Bypass, where three petrol pumps ran dry one after another. This was followed by closures at Cidco Corner and the municipal pump near the old octroi naka. As rumours spread, panic gripped citizens, leading to long queues at operational pumps, with people waiting in the scorching heat.
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Call for meeting to resolve payment dispute
Fuel supply is expected to stabilise from Thursday, with adequate stock available at several pumps. An email has been sent to oil companies seeking a meeting to resolve the advance payment issue. Despite sufficient stock at the Panewadi depot, supply disruptions due to payment disputes have left consumers bearing the brunt.
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Pay today, get tanker tomorrow
“Fuel supply is being given only after advance payment. Due to delayed payment, our stock ran out, but after clearing dues, the tanker is expected by Thursday morning.”
— Swapnil Patil, Manager, Pragati Petrol Pump (Municipal Corporation)
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Panic buying led to rush
“This situation is largely due to panic buying, as most people rushed to petrol pumps fearing shortage. The sudden surge in demand led to long queues and pressure on supply, even though fuel is available. Citizens should avoid unnecessary refuelling and remain calm.”
- Burzin Printer, Baba Petrol Pump, Member, Petroleum Dealers Association
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Fuel stock sufficient for six days
“The district has 365 petrol pumps operated by three companies, with a storage capacity of 8,550 kilolitres of diesel and 5,550 kilolitres of petrol. Currently, around 2,600 kilolitres of diesel and 2,000 kilolitres of petrol are available, sufficient for at least six days. A technical issue at a distribution centre in Nashik disrupted supply two days ago, causing temporary closures. Citizens should not queue, as there is no fuel shortage.”
- Pravin Phulari, District Supply Officer
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Motorists slam pump operators
“Why should citizens suffer due to the negligence of pump operators?” questioned Ramesh Bhalerao from Ulkanagari. “Customers are being held hostage due to delayed transactions by petrol pump operators,” said Pritam Jadhav from Shivajinagar.