Fuel Crisis Deepens Amid Indirect Supply Control and Panic Buying Nagpur: A growing fuel crisis has intensified as petrol pumps across the city face prolonged queues and sudden shutdowns, with officials attributing the situation to indirect supply controls rather than panic buying alone. Industry insiders and retail vendors emphasize that the crisis stems from deliberate measures to manage fuel distribution amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, urging consumers to exercise restraint to avoid a deeper shortage. While there is no official rationing of petrol or diesel, the petroleum sector has implemented indirect strategies to limit fuel consumption, ensuring stocks last until the Iran war concludes. The crisis has led to significant disruptions in fuel supply chains. Depots have reduced their operating hours, restricting replenishment for petrol pumps. Previously, depots functioned late into the night to fill tankers sent by retailers, but this practice has been halted, with operations now limited to 6 p.m. and closed on weekends. This slowdown has exacerbated the situation, prompting a surge in consumer activity as panic sets in. Social media messages warning of imminent fuel shortages have further fueled the rush, overwhelming the system and causing widespread shortages at petrol pumps. In Nagpur, fuel supplies are sourced from three major depots. The nearest, operated by Bharat Petroleum Company Limited (BPCL) at Borkhedi, serves multiple companies, while Nayara Energy, a firm with Russian investment, manages a depot 75 km away. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) operates a depot in Chandrapur, 160 km from the city. Each depot now enforces strict timing restrictions and requires advance payments from dealers. For instance, the Nayara facility limits fuel delivery to HPCL’s pumps until 2:30 p.m.#nagpur #indian_oil_corporation #nayara_energy #bharat_petroleum_company_limited
