The Petroleum Dealers Association (PDA) of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar reported on Sunday that the diesel crisis is gradually easing. PDA president Aqeel Abbas informed the Times of India that the main oil depot at Manmad in Nashik was operational on Sunday, following a request from fuel dealers on behalf of the district administration.
Background of the Shortage
Recently, the oil depot remained closed on Sundays, leading to a severe shortage early in the week and triggering panic buying. The PDA had urged the district administration to keep the depot functional on Sundays to prevent such situations. This move appears to have alleviated the crisis.
Supply Situation
The PDA confirmed that all major oil marketing companies (OMCs) supplied petrol and diesel to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and other parts of Marathwada on Sunday. Unlike previous days, long queues were absent at many fuel outlets, and diesel became readily available, according to Abbas.
Official figures show that the district sold 1,304 kilolitres (KL) of diesel on Sunday, slightly down from 1,322 KL on Saturday. However, the stock position improved significantly, with 1,842 KL available by Sunday, compared to just 1,123 KL on Saturday. District supply officer Pravin Phulari noted that an additional 657 KL of diesel was in transit by Sunday evening. He urged citizens not to engage in panic buying, assuring that the stock is sufficient.
Farmer Protests
Earlier, on Saturday night, a group of farmers blocked the Yeldari-Jintur road in Parbhani to protest the acute diesel shortage. They alleged that agricultural work had come to a halt due to the non-availability of fuel and raised slogans against the government. The protest caused long queues of vehicles on both sides of the road until police and local authorities intervened.
