The tall claims of district administration about the streamlined supply of fuel in the district appear to have fallen flat as the transporters on Monday alleged that some of the petroleum dealers are involved in black-marketing of diesel, thereby aggravating the crisis. They alleged that, the dealers are taking undue advantage of the fuel crunch and diverting diesel meant for vehicles to industrial category consumers at a premium. Kuku Marwaha, President of the Nagpur Truckers’ Unity, said a large number of transporters are bearing the brunt of the diesel shortage, especially in the rural areas and on highways. “The petrol pump operators are not supplying the desired quantity of diesel to the truck owners. This is delaying the trips and putting financial burden on them. This is all happening because of the black-marketing of diesel,” he alleged. It is important to note that, the current rate of diesel consumed by industries is about Rs 138 per litre, while for other consumers, it is Rs 98.39 per litre.

 

The oil marketing companies have earmarked separate categories of fuel outlets for these two different consumers. Accordingly, the industrial category consumers are supposed to buy diesel only from the specified outlets. However, sources said that a large number of industrial consumers are buying diesel from other outlets and taking advantage of the price difference. Interestingly, before the West Asia crisis emerged in February, the rate of diesel for the industrial category was less than that of diesel for others. But after the crisis, the authorities revised the prices. Technical experts told ‘The Hitavada’ that, the quality and chemical properties of both types of diesel are more or less the same. “However, the current shortage of LPG and the lucrative price difference between the two diesel forms (Rs 39.61 per litre) have paved the way for black marketing,” said the expert.

 

It is worth mentioning here that the concerned authorities have recently seized two to three diesel supplying tankers that were allegedly trying to sell it in the black market. Sources said that, the black marketers are diverting tankers carrying 12,000 to 24,000 litres of diesel, making a profit of Rs 4-10 lakh in one go. In this context, P Mohan, President of MIDC Industries Association (MIA), has emphasised that, while industries require reliable fuel supply for uninterrupted operations, the indiscriminate use of diesel must be discouraged. He stated that, industries are often compelled to use diesel due to inconsistent availability of furnace oil and limited gas infrastructure, and therefore, systemic improvements are essential.

 

He further highlighted that ensuring steady supply of appropriate fuels, expanding gas pipeline connectivity, and promoting energy-efficient practices are crucial steps. At the same time, industries must adopt technically suitable fuels and avoid diesel substitution except where absolutely necessary. In the meanwhile, District Collector Kumar Ashirwad on Monday appealed to the citizens not to believe any rumours, stating that sufficient stock of petrol and diesel is available in the district. He reviewed the fuel supply situation in detail after holding discussions with senior managers and sales officers of oil companies. The Collector said that, instructions have been given to oil companies to ensure no artificial shortage of fuel is created.