Petrol pump dealers across Punjab have raised serious concerns over an ongoing fuel supply and inventory crisis affecting several districts in the state and the Petrol Pump Dealers Association Punjab (PPDAP) has written to Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha seeking urgent government intervention to restore smooth fuel supply operations.
In a letter written by PPDAP President Paramjit Singh Doaba the association said that many petrol pumps especially those linked with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) are facing repeated fuel shortages and delayed replenishment and dealers of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) are also reportedly facing similar issues though to a lesser extent and according to the association Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) outlets are comparatively managing the situation better.
The association claimed that several petrol pumps are frequently running dry despite dealers maintaining advance payments in their company accounts under the “Cash & Carry” system and dealers said they are depositing sufficient money in advance but fuel deliveries are still getting delayed regularly.
The letter stated that the situation is particularly serious in rural areas of Punjab where many HPCL pumps are facing prolonged dry outs and inconsistent supply of petrol and diesel and dealers said this has created operational problems and financial stress for pump owners and the association has also alleged that some oil companies are forcing dealers to purchase premium grade fuels before allowing normal fuel supply orders to be processed. Premium fuels are costlier products priced nearly Rs 10 per litre higher than regular petrol or diesel.
According to the letter HPCL dealers are reportedly being pushed to uplift “POWER” petrol along with regular fuel orders and dealers of IOCL and BPCL have also reportedly faced similar pressure to purchase premium fuels together with regular stock while petrol pump owners said this practice is putting additional financial burden on dealers who are already struggling due to delayed fuel supplies and disrupted replenishment cycles.
The association further pointed out that before February 2026 oil depots used to remain operational even on Sundays and holidays to clear pending fuel orders and maintain smooth supply chains however dealers claimed that several depots have now reduced holiday operations and working hours which has further worsened the supply situation across Punjab and as a result many retail outlets are reportedly facing fuel shortages leading to panic among consumers and farmers regarding fuel availability. Dealers also said long queues and heavy rush are now being seen at petrol pumps where fuel stock is still available.
The association said petroleum products are essential commodities that directly affect transportation, agriculture, emergency services, trade and daily public life therefore uninterrupted fuel supply is extremely important for maintaining normal public and economic activity and in the letter the Petrol Pump Dealers Association requested the Punjab government to immediately intervene and issue necessary directions to oil marketing companies to ensure fair, regular and uninterrupted fuel supply across the state.
The association said petrol pump dealers have always supported the administration and oil companies during difficult situations and are now expecting timely support from government to resolve the crisis at the earliest.
