Pune petrol dealers warn of dry pumps during Diwali, seek HPCL and BPCL intervention

The Petrol Dealers Association Pune (PDAP) has expressed serious concern over disruption in the supply of petrol and diesel to Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) retail outlets in Pune. The association has warned that many petrol pumps could run dry during the ongoing Diwali period if matters are not set right immediately.

According to PDAP, many HPCL dealers have paid through authorised channels such as SBI eDFS and the SBI banking portal, yet they are unable to lift petroleum products. The association said the dealers have given officials valid proof of the transactions, but the payments did not show in HPCL's accounts because of delays in banking or internal reconciliation. As a result, their product loads remain held up.

The association called the penalty unjust. It said that when payment has been made and the papers are available, dealers should not be punished for technical problems beyond their control. It has asked HPCL to examine the transactions and release all eligible loads immediately.

BPCL dealers in Pune are also facing delayed and limited supply, even though they have deposited money to lift products. PDAP said depots close early and loading arrangements are also inadequate. As a result, pending indents are not being cleared on time and pressure on petrol pumps is growing.

The association said the situation is more worrying because fuel demand is high during Diwali and a run of bank and festival holidays lies ahead. If adequate stock, extended loading hours and uninterrupted depot operations are not ensured, many outlets could run empty. Motorists and other consumers would suffer.

PDAP president Dhruv Ruparel said it was unacceptable that dealers who paid through authorised banking channels or deposited money to lift products should struggle to get supply. He said: "Dealers should not have to suffer because of banking delays, internal reconciliation problems or inadequate depot arrangements. During a major festival, oil companies must ensure uninterrupted supply and clear pending indents quickly. Consumers should not face fuel shortages because of administrative or operational shortcomings."

PDAP has taken the HPCL payment issue to the company's chairman, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol. It has sought intervention so that eligible loads are released at once on the basis of verified SBI payment proof.

The association demands that the Pune depots of both companies stay open on Sunday as well until pending indents are cleared. It has also sought adequate availability of motor spirit and high-speed diesel, extended depot hours and loading arrangements sufficient for festival demand.

PDAP said avoidable supply disruption damages dealers' business and credibility and weakens consumers' confidence in getting fuel. It has asked HPCL and BPCL to take preventive steps in advance rather than wait for shortages to build up at pumps. According to the association, coordination among the companies, banks and depots is essential to prevent further disruption.