The South Chhotanagpur Petroleum Dealers’ Association has called for greater transparency and improved communication from oil marketing companies (OMCs), raising concerns over the ongoing fuel shortage across the region. The association highlighted a severe communication gap amid tensions in West Asia and questioned why fuel stations are running dry despite government and corporate claims of adequate stock.
Dealers Protest Blame Shifting
Addressing the media after the association’s annual general meeting on Monday, which saw participation from over 200 dealers from Ranchi, Gumla, Lohardaga, Simdega, and Khunti districts, chairperson Rajhans Mishra criticized OMCs for shifting the blame onto dealers. Corporate entities have allegedly accused dealers of diverting fuel to bulk consumers to artificially boost growth.
“Everything is automated now. If companies suspect a particular dealer of unauthorized bulk supply, they should identify and penalize them. Why should the entire dealer community suffer?” Mishra said. He clarified that an annual growth of 20 to 25 percent is standard. “Moreover, if neighboring stations run dry, the remaining operational pumps will naturally witness a surge in sales. This cannot be misconstrued as bulk supply,” he added.
Operational Hurdles and Credit Policy Changes
The region has over 290 functional fuel stations, many facing severe operational challenges. Dealers expressed strong resentment against the revised credit policies of the oil majors. Previously, companies extended credit, levying an 18 percent interest rate on delayed payments. This facility has been abruptly suspended, and dealers are now facing significant supply delays.
Mishra revealed that despite advance payments by dealers for multiple loads, supply arrives only after three to four days. “If companies charged us heavy interest for delayed payments, shouldn’t they pay us interest when they fail to deliver fuel on time?” he questioned.
Conflicting Mandates on Fuel Containers
Another major issue is the conflicting mandate regarding fuel sales in containers. OMCs have strictly restricted sales to Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) certified jerrycans. “Consumers waving the local directive demand diesel in standard containers, but we cannot comply due to the strict PESO mandate. There are only five to six manufacturers of PESO-approved containers in India, leading to an acute shortage. Caught in this crossfire, dealers face the public wrath,” Mishra said.
Demand for Clarity and Transparency
The association has urged Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited to work together to bridge the widening supply gap and improve operational transparency. “We demand immediate clarity and transparency. As dealers, we are the direct interface with the public, and we bear the brunt of public anger whenever there is a supply failure,” Mishra concluded.
