Supply woes force 2,000 fuel stations to shut shop in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: Around 2,000 fuel stations in Rajasthan including 100 in Jaipur have stopped selling petrol and diesel due to supply constraints at HPCL and BPCL depots.
According to a representative of Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers' Association (RPDA), the scarcity has hit the pumps after Reliance and Essar shut their filling stations.
RPDA president Sunit Bagai said Reliance and Essar have a combined market share of over 15% in the state.
"The closure of their fuel stations has shifted the demand on other oil marketing companies. While there is no disruption from Indian Oil Corporation, HPCL is unable to meet the increased demand. Similar is the case with BPCL, although its supply has improved," said Bagai.
Sources in the industry said private retailers are losing money from the operations, which is the major reason for them to stop selling auto fuel.
Bagai said consumers in rural areas are facing more difficulties. He said in Jaipur over 100 fuel stations have stopped selling fuel because of supply issues.
RPDA had written to both HPCL and BPCL on June 10 about supply problems. But in a release,
RPDA said no remedial measures have been taken by the oil marketing companies.
On Monday, the association had written to Union petroleum minister Hardip Singh Puri to immediately interfere and find solutions so that consumers don't suffer.
"Unavailability of fuels in the stations tend to create law and order situation as people out to buy petrol or diesel start arguing about the non-availability," added Bagai.