Pune: A looming fuel shortage has gripped Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad as petrol pump operators began their strike on Tuesday. The strike, initiated in response to unresolved demands from petroleum companies, has led operators to stop sending fuel tankers to the company depots, causing a disruption in the fuel supply across the city. (Pune Petrol Pump Strike Update)

The Petrol Dealers Association of Pune has announced an indefinite halt to fuel transportation, affecting around 900 petrol pump operators in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and surrounding rural areas, along with 500 pump operators in Satara district. Out of the tankers that supply fuel from petroleum depots, 85% are owned by these pump operators, while 15% are managed by private transporters. With the cessation of tanker movements, many pumps in Pune experienced fuel shortages overnight, and a complete supply halt is anticipated if the situation persists beyond tomorrow. (Pune News)

Why the Strike?

Dhruv Ruparal, President of the Petrol Dealers Association, stated that petroleum companies have been engaging in unfair tendering practices for fuel transportation. He pointed out that tenders are being issued at unviable rates without considering all stakeholders, leading to concerns over the safety of fuel transport and the public. He emphasized that the responsibility for ensuring adequate and timely fuel delivery now lies with the petroleum companies.

Ruparal also highlighted that the association has repeatedly called for action against fuel theft, but no substantial measures have been taken by the petroleum companies. Over the past two years, ten instances of fuel theft have been recorded, with the most recent incident prompting a crackdown under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) a month ago.

Demands of the Petrol Pump Operators

• Immediate cancellation of all existing tenders for fuel transportation.
• Introduction of new, fair tenders at viable rates to ensure safe transportation.
• Suspension of officials who have neglected safety protocols.
• Police investigations into the involvement of officials in fuel theft incidents.

The strike followed a failed round of negotiations with the petroleum companies on Monday, and as of Tuesday, no further talks have been initiated. Ruparal stated that the operators remain firm on their demands, and should the fuel shortage cause inconvenience to the public, the petroleum companies will be held accountable. (Pune City News)