Pune petrol pump operators begin indefinite strike citing faulty tender methods, fuel theft

Petrol dealers alleged that the oil companies are making decisions without consulting key stakeholders, compromising fuel transportation safety.

The Petrol Dealers’ Association in Pune claimed that despite repeated complaints, faulty tender practices in fuel transportation are leading to increased fuel theft. (Express Photo)

Petrol pump operators in Pune have started an indefinite strike from Tuesday, stating that petroleum companies have not met their demands. As a result, operators will cease sending tanks to petroleum depots, potentially leading to fuel shortages and public inconvenience.

The Petrol Dealers’ Association in Pune claimed that despite repeated complaints, faulty tender practices in fuel transportation are leading to increased fuel theft. With no action taken, the operators decided to proceed with the shutdown, it said.

Dhruv Ruparel, president of the Petrol Dealers’ Association in Pune, said petroleum companies conduct the tender process for fuel transportation improperly, issuing tenders at unviable rates and forcing distributors to sign blank or incomplete agreements. “Many low-cost transporters involved in these tenders are engaged in fuel theft. In fact, 65 per cent of them have already been caught by the police,” he said.

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Ruparel added that the companies are making decisions without consulting key stakeholders, compromising the safety of fuel transportation and endangering public security.

The dealers’ body is seeking the immediate cancellation of all existing transportation tenders, followed by the issuance of new ones with viable rates to ensure safer fuel delivery. (Express Photo)

Ruparel said the association has long demanded steps to curb fuel theft, but no effective measures have been implemented. “Over the past two years, 10 cases of fuel theft have been reported. Last month, the police invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against offenders in a fuel theft case. While petroleum companies have installed advanced systems to prevent theft, officials’ negligence has allowed these incidents to continue,” Ruparel said.

The dealers’ body is seeking the immediate cancellation of all existing transportation tenders, followed by the issuance of new ones with viable rates to ensure safer fuel delivery. Additionally, the dealers call for the immediate suspension of officials who neglected safety protocols, contributing to operational inefficiencies. The association also demands a thorough police investigation into officials’ possible involvement in fuel theft.

“We have already informed the petroleum ministry, local authorities, and petroleum companies about the indefinite shutdown. Therefore, it will be the responsibility of the petroleum companies to ensure timely delivery of petrol and diesel to 900 petrol pumps in Pune and 500 in Satara,” said Ruparel.

Shubham Tigga

Shubham Tigga hails from Chhattisgarh and studied journalism at the Asian College of Journalism. He previously reported in Chhattisgarh on Indigenous issues and is deeply interested in covering socio-political, human rights, and environmental issues in mainland and NE India. Presently based in Pune, he reports on civil aviation, other transport sectors, urban mobility, the gig economy, commercial matters, and workers' unions. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn ... Read More

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