In his communication, Phulari noted that the international situation could potentially affect the supply chain of petroleum products. Referring to directives issued by the central govt, the district supply officer pointed out that petrol and diesel are classified as essential commodities and their availability must be ensured during emergencies.“The administration has, therefore, asked oil companies to ensure that vehicles engaged in essential public services, particularly those operated by govt departments, do not face difficulties in obtaining fuel,” said a senior official from the civil supplies department while adding that similar letters have been issued by different districts across Maharashtra over the past three days.The letter also directed the companies to instruct petrol pump operators not to indulge in hoarding of fuel or resort to arbitrary price increases in the event of a shortage or emergency.Phulari further asked the oil companies to ensure that adequate quantities of petrol and diesel are kept aside for govt vehicles at both the district and taluka levels so that critical services can continue without interruption.“As of now, there is no reason to press the panic button. This step has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure that emergency services and administrative operations remain unaffected even if disruptions occur in the fuel supply chain,” said another senior official at the divisional level.
