Pune: Fuel supplies have stabilised across the city after two days of panic buying. Petrol dealers said on Friday that supplies have improved significantly, with most outlets resuming normal operation.The recent surge in demand was triggered by a combination of factors, including sudden withdrawal of credit facilities by oil marketing companies (OMCs) and a wave of “panic refilling” by consumers fearing a potential shortage.
A local petrol dealer said feedback from across the city indicates the crisis has subsided. “According to our dealers’ network, the situation has returned to normal everywhere. Supply volumes have increased, and delivery timings have been extended to meet demand. I don’t believe any pumps in the city ran dry on Friday,” he said.The dealer added that the rush itself exacerbated the problem. “Because people flocked to fuel up over two days, the sudden spike in demand put temporary pressure on existing stocks. Now that the initial rush has cooled, things are back to business as usual,” he added.The problem began on March 16, when oil companies abruptly withdrew the credit system. This created immediate cash-flow challenges for pump operators, leading to localised fuel availability issues that eventually sparked public concern.In an official statement, the Petrol Dealers Association, Pune, confirmed there is no shortage of petrol or diesel. The association appealed to citizens to stop panic buying, assuring the public that OMCs are maintaining regular supplies and that all stations are being replenished.“The supply chain is robust and functioning as intended. The unusual surge in demand put avoidable pressure on the distribution network,” the statement read. The association urged citizens to purchase fuel only as per their regular requirements and avoid hoarding to ensure a smooth and equitable supply across the city.In Nashik, long queues were seen at petrol pumps on Friday as close to 40% of outlets ran dry by Thursday evening. Though most petrol pumps refrained from placing limits on fuel sales, some outlets, particularly in the city’ central parts, introduced caps of Rs300 for two-wheelers and Rs2,000 for four-wheelers to stretch their available stock. In Kolhapur, queues at petrol pumps eased slightly, though supply disruptions persisted. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna, the authorities withdrew fuel rationing orders, citing adequate fuel supply. A group of autorickshaw drivers blocked the busy Jalna Road in Chikalthana area, protesting non-availability of CNG. The disruption led to heavy traffic congestion.In Nashik, long queues were seen at petrol pumps on Friday as close to 40% of outlets ran dry by Thursday evening. Though most petrol pumps refrained from placing limits on fuel sales, some outlets, particularly in the city’ central parts, introduced caps of Rs300 for two-wheelers and Rs2,000 for four-wheelers to stretch their available stock. In Kolhapur, queues at petrol pumps eased slightly, though supply disruptions persisted. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna, the authorities withdrew fuel rationing orders, citing adequate fuel supply. A group of autorickshaw drivers blocked the busy Jalna Road in Chikalthana area, protesting non-availability of CNG. The disruption led to heavy traffic congestion.
