Motorist throng petrol pumps due to limited time operation

Nagpur, May 28

Due to the outbreak of Covid, petrol pumps in Nagpur are open from 7 am to 7 pm as per the order of the administration. The time limit has led to an increase in the number of customers at the pump and physical distancing has been completely ignored.

The Vidarbha Petroleum Dealers Association (VPDA) has demanded that the pumps should be started on a regular timing from June 1, as the infection has reduced in the city. Essentials shops are open from 7 am to 11 am during lockdown. Apart from this, many establishments are closed. Moreover, work from home has reduced road traffic.

Employees, industry workers and professionals are not able to fill in petrol in the morning due to rush. Due to the time restrictions till 7 pm, the crowd of motorist at the petrol pumps has increased. Vice president of VPDA Bagga said, “Fuel is an essential commodity. Considering the increasing risk of of corona time restrictions were also necessary for ensuring the safety of citizens. Many people rush to fill petrol while returning from office.

In such cases, instructions are given to follow the physical distance. Citizens should follow the rules. The pump director and staff are making efforts to control the crowed at the petrol pump. There is an atmosphere of fear among many employees as employees at petrol pumps are interacting with citizens. This has created a shortage of manpower. Care is being taken that there will be no inconvenience to the motorist. The administration may review its decision, as the corona infection is subsiding in city.

Petrol, diesel sales falls

There are about 85 petrol pumps in Nagpur and 10 petrol pumps run by oil companies and police administration. Due to corona infection and lockdown petrol and diesel sales have come down by 60 per cent. The sales are increasing gradually, as infection as patients have reduced.