Kolhapur Fuel Supply Shows Minor Improvement Amid Ongoing Disruptions
Long queues at petrol pumps across Kolhapur district showed a slight easing on Friday compared to the severe congestion witnessed over the previous two days. However, significant supply chain disruptions persisted, with at least ten fuel stations remaining completely closed. These closures resulted from the pumps' inability to make advance payments required for newly supplied fuel stock, highlighting ongoing financial and logistical challenges in the region's fuel distribution network.
Mixed Scenes Across City Pumps
While some petrol pumps within Kolhapur city reported no waiting lines, others continued to experience heavy rush and extended waiting periods. The inconsistent availability created localized bottlenecks, particularly at high-traffic locations. Motorists faced varying experiences depending on their location, with some obtaining fuel quickly while others endured hours-long delays.
Humanitarian Gesture Amid the Crisis
At Sangli Phata on the busy Pune–Bengaluru national highway, petrol pump owner Raj Korgaonkar took compassionate action to assist stranded motorists. Recognizing the strain on people waiting in extreme heat, Korgaonkar distributed water, bananas, and sugar to those in queue on both Thursday and Friday afternoons.
"People have been standing in these long queues for hours, and the intense heat has led to arguments about vehicle positioning," Korgaonkar explained. "Several customers requested water, so we decided to provide basic refreshments to prevent any heat-related health issues during this difficult wait."
Private Fuel Price Hike and Administration Crackdown
In a separate development affecting the local fuel market, a private petroleum company unilaterally increased fuel prices by Rs5 per litre beginning Thursday evening. Petrol pump staff clarified that this company operates independently and is not under government price control mechanisms.
Simultaneously, the district administration intensified enforcement against the illegal use of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes. During a targeted raid at a hotel near Vadange village, officials confiscated six 14.2kg domestic cylinders being utilized for commercial cooking operations. A formal case has been registered at Karveer police station against the hotel owner.
District Collector Issues Stern Warning
District Collector Amol Yedge emphasized the seriousness of the LPG violations during a statement following the raid. "Our enforcement team conducted this operation and seized six domestic LPG cylinders that were being improperly used for commercial purposes," Yedge stated.
"All wedding halls, lawns, hotels, and catering establishments within Kolhapur district must exclusively use commercial gas cylinders as mandated by regulations. The use of domestic cylinders for business operations is strictly prohibited," he continued. "Despite this clear policy, we continue to observe illegal domestic cylinder usage at multiple locations. We advise all business owners to comply immediately, as any violations will result in strict legal action."
The dual challenges of fuel supply disruptions and energy resource misuse present ongoing tests for Kolhapur's administration as they work to stabilize essential services while enforcing regulatory compliance across the district.
