Petrol pumps across Punjab are facing a severe shortage of petrol and diesel supply, prompting the Punjab Petrol Pump Dealers Association to seek urgent intervention from the state government and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). The association has warned that widespread dry-outs at retail outlets are causing long queues, public inconvenience, and disruption to essential services, particularly during a critical agricultural period.

According to the association, the state has around 3,700 petrol pumps, with nearly 25% located in rural and agricultural regions where fuel demand typically rises during wheat harvesting and paddy sowing seasons. Dealers have reported that supply constraints from major OMCs, particularly Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), have worsened in recent weeks, while Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is comparatively better in supply management.

In a communication addressed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the association said that many retail outlets are operating with critically low stock levels, resulting in frequent fuel shortages and public frustration. Dealers alleged that despite maintaining sufficient advance payments, replenishment delays continue to disrupt operations. They also stated that the situation is impacting agricultural activity, transportation services, and the broader rural economy.

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The association further highlighted a growing operational conflict with supply norms, noting that district administrations have instructed petrol pumps to maintain minimum stock levels of 1,000 litres of petrol and 2,000 litres of diesel at all times. However, dealers said they are unable to comply due to inconsistent supply, placing them in a difficult position between regulatory compliance and customer demand, which has occasionally led to disputes at fuel stations.

Adding to their concerns, dealers alleged that OMCs are pushing the sale of premium-grade fuels such as HPCL’s “POWER” petrol, which is priced significantly higher than regular fuel, before clearing standard MS and HSD orders. They also claimed that depot operations have been reduced, with fewer working days and limited holiday processing, which has further slowed replenishment cycles and aggravated shortages across the state.

The association has demanded immediate government intervention to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply, including directing OMCs to treat petrol and diesel as essential commodities and restore regular distribution. They have also called for enhanced security at petrol pumps to manage crowds and prevent law-and-order issues arising from fuel scarcity, especially in high-demand rural and semi-urban areas.

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