Punjab orders raids over reports of fuel shortage

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Chandigarh, Jun 2 : The Punjab government on Monday woke up to rumours of an imminent petro price hike that could trigger a fuel shortage in the state and ordered raids on dealers, hording petrol and diesel.

There were reports that oil companies had suspended petrol and diesel supply to some districts in the state. The move has created a shortage of fuel, especially diesel, due to which farmers and transporters were facing inconveniences, though stocks of petrol were available at almost all the filling stations.

The rumours had led to an artificial scarcity of petrol and diesel and the demand had suddenly shot up in Punjab. Some filling stations were not displaying any information about the stocks sold and available, as per the rules.

Fearing a shortage in the future, the Punjab government has sent a communication to the Union petroleum secretary, requesting him to augment diesel supply during the paddy sowing season, as it was imperative for the food security of the nation. Punjab chief secretary, Ramesh Inder Singh, held a meeting with representatives of different oil companies to impress upon them, the need to ensure sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel in the state.

HS Bedi, state coordinator of the oil industry, confirmed to FE that that some petrol pumps in rural belts had run dry due to hoarding of diesel by users and dealers expecting a rise in prices or fearing a shortage of diesel during the paddy-sowing season.

Bedi also said that during this week, 68, 231 kilolitre of diesel were supplied, against 48, 129 kilolitre during the corresponding period last year, registering a growth of 42%. He added that oil companies were committed to supplying diesel for paddy sowing and consumers need not hoard diesel, fearing a shortage. He assured that the Punjab government was committed to maintaining a proper supply of diesel in the rural belt during the paddy sowing season and there was no reason to panic.

The chief secretary also instructed RPS Pawar, principal secretary, food and supplies, to constitute district level teams with representative from different oil companies and weights and measures departments, to raid petrol pumps and check hoarding by petrol dealers. The team would also check the dispensers of petrol pumps.