Diesel Crisis Hits BBN Industrial Cluster
Continuous-process industries in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) industrial cluster have raised alarms with the district administration over the unavailability of diesel to run generator sets during power outages. Frequent power cuts in the region make these units heavily dependent on diesel generators to maintain uninterrupted production. Any stoppage risks equipment damage and significant wastage from partially processed batches.
New Central Order Restricts Diesel Supply
Industries have been severely impacted by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas' Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026, effective June 12. The order prohibits dispensing diesel in loose bottles or unapproved containers and bars industrial and commercial consumers from procuring fuel from retail outlets, a practice widely followed earlier. They must now source fuel from consumer pumps. Consequently, retail outlets have stopped supplying diesel to industries, leaving units scrambling to secure adequate fuel.
Daily Demand and Industry Impact
Solan Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma stated that based on requirements from 32 industrial units across pharmaceuticals, food processing, textiles, engineering goods, fast-moving consumer goods, and footwear manufacturing, the daily diesel demand stands at 22,740 litres, or 6,82,200 litres per month. Individual unit requirements range from 15 litres to 2,400 litres per day. Major users include manufacturers of high-efficiency photovoltaic solar cells, ice cream, and pharmaceuticals.
Sharma said the matter has been taken up with the state government, but noted that since the order is from the Centre, the state's ability to intervene is limited.
Industry Association Warns of Closures
YS Guleria, president of the BBN Industries Association, expressed concern that the disruption in fuel supply is severely affecting operations. Consumer pumps have stopped supplying diesel and petrol to industries, making it difficult to run generator sets during power cuts. “Continuous-process industries cannot afford such disruptions and are being pushed towards extreme measures, including possible closure. This will not only impact manufacturing but also jeopardise export commitments, as meeting deadlines will become increasingly difficult,” he said. He urged the administration to direct the Food and Civil Supplies Department to facilitate fuel supply to industry.
