Oil Companies Pushing Sale of Costlier Premium Petrol: Dealers Petroleum dealers in Nagpur have raised concerns about oil companies pressuring them to purchase more expensive premium petrol, sold under specific brand names, during stock replenishment. Dealers allege that they are reluctant to comply due to consumer preference for regular petrol, which has become more affordable amid recent price hikes. Premium petrol is priced Rs9 higher per litre compared to regular fuel. In Nagpur, regular petrol costs Rs108.07 per litre, while branded petrol is priced at Rs117.16 per litre. Dealers report that replenishment has slowed, with fresh stock arriving only when tanks are nearly empty, forcing them to negotiate with oil companies that continue to push the sale of premium fuel. The Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers (CIPD), a national body representing dealers, recently sent a letter to the director marketing and executive director (retail) of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). The letter highlighted that dealers are being pressured to buy branded petrol despite consumer demand for cheaper regular fuel. CIPD emphasized that consumers have the right to choose their preferred product and that dealers cannot be coerced into prioritizing branded fuel. The letter also noted that oil companies’ assurances of no shortage contradict the situation on the ground, where dealers struggle to convince companies that consumers avoid premium petrol due to its high cost. A Nagpur dealer described the logistical challenges, stating that their pump, with a 20,000-kilolitre capacity, receives fresh supplies only when stock levels drop to 3,000 kilolitres.#bharat_petroleum_corporation_limited #washim_district #hindustan_petroleum_corporation_limited #petroleum_dealers #consortium_of_indian_petroleum_dealers
