Hyderabad: Diesel and petrol bunks in the city, especially HPCL dealers, have been subject to supply shortage ostensibly because of fluctuating prices in the international market.
Consequently, many petrol bunks in the city are shutting down before midnight. This is also aimed at saving on power charges, overheads and wages. Meanwhile, oil companies have changed their credit policy. The rates are high for bulk buyers like industries and TSRTC.
Oil companies are strategically discouraging supply to petrol and diesel dealers in the city, which many fear would lead to petrol and diesel shortage in the days ahead.
In and around Greater Hyderabad region, the daily consumption of petrol is around 35 lakh litres while that of diesel is 40 lakh litres. There has been a slight drop in the sale of diesel since the time prices have been increasing on an everyday basis.
According to some dealers, “to reduce their losses, oil companies have increased fuel prices for bulk buyers like TSRTC. Not only have they stopped giving credit, but they are also compelling dealers to pay amounts in advance. When it comes to HPCL, they are now working only in one shift unlike the two shifts earlier.”
