Fuel dealers flag supply crisis, demand policy reforms

PNS, Ranchi

The general body meeting of the Petroleum Dealers Association, South Chotanagpur, was held in Ranchi on Monday, where fuel dealers discussed pressing challenges affecting their operations and resolved to take up the issues with oil company officials.

Speaking after the meeting, Association President Rajhans Mishra said that dealers are currently facing irregular fuel supply, leading to several petrol pumps running dry. He noted that in such situations, it is the pump operators who bear the brunt of public dissatisfaction, despite acting as representatives of oil companies on the ground.

Mishra emphasized that oil companies should work in coordination with dealers and keep them informed, as they are the direct interface with consumers.

Highlighting financial concerns, he said that until two months ago, companies used to provide fuel supply on credit. However, even a day’s delay in payment attracted interest charges. Now, the system has shifted to advance payment, requiring dealers to deposit funds for up to two days in advance—yet supply remains inconsistent. In such circumstances, dealers have demanded that they should also receive interest on their deposited amounts if supply is delayed.

The association also called for a revision of dealer commissions, citing rising operational costs. Mishra pointed out that expenses such as fuel handling, labour wages, and bank interest rates have increased significantly, putting additional financial pressure on dealers.

The association is expected to formally present these demands to oil companies in the coming days, seeking immediate intervention to stabilize supply and improve the working conditions of fuel dealers.