Hyderabad: The prices of diesel fluctuate on a daily basis and when the fluctuations are miniscule, petrol station workers turn lax in updating them, said Ch Srinivas, state-level coordinator of HPCL. He said, “Earlier, the prices would change once in 15 days but now it is being updated on a daily basis. On days, when the change is negligible, pumps do not do so. However, we are trying to push for a 100 per cent automated system.” As there were stringent inspections, he said there were less reports of price variations.
About the non-availability of gas cylinders since the blast at Cherlapally, he said, “We have been getting a lot of complaints regarding the unavailability but we are working towards clearing the backlog by getting cylinders from Anantapur and Solapur. We have got permission to run a mini- carousel in Cherlapally which should fasten the process.” Over 2.8 lakhs of litres of diesel is used in Telangana alone.
The Prime Minister’s announcement in Mann Ki Baat about conservation of fuel has led Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited along with HPCL and the Petroleum Conservation and Research Association (PCRA) to conduct a cyclathon on November 12 from the Hyderabad Bicycle Club to the People’s Plaza from 7 am. Over 500 cycles have been arranged for the same.
Aslam Javed, a member of LPG Gas Company, said, “You use one litre fuel for 10 kilometres in a car. We should try to encourage the practice of not using fuel-driven cars at least once a week to contribute towards the environment.” Although citizens are complaining that Hyderabad is not a cycle-friendly place as the roads are not designed for the same, officials said that with more cyclists, the need for a cycle-friendly system will evolve. The plans for electric vehicles are underway. However, PCRA members said that it is a difficult process as the infrastructure like charging stations and better roads are time-consuming.
