Fuel demand rises in MP, oil companies tighten monitoring:Firms deny shortage claims, say sudden demand spike is causing temporary dry-outs at petrol pumps

Amid rising demand for petrol and diesel in Madhya Pradesh, oil companies have intensified monitoring of fuel sales at petrol pumps across the state. Companies have directed pump operators to provide complete details if a customer purchases petrol worth more than ₹5,000 or diesel worth over ₹10,000 in a single transaction, including the identity of the buyer and the purpose of fuel usage. Oil firms have also fixed limits for bulk fuel sales. Petrol pump operators are being asked to explain sales exceeding the prescribed limits. Officials warned that if satisfactory reasons are not provided, even fuel nozzles at the concerned pumps could be shut down. Companies keeping close watch on diesel sales Madhya Pradesh Petrol Pump Association president Ajay Singh said Indian Oil is closely monitoring diesel sales above ₹10,000, while BPCL is tracking purchases exceeding ₹19,000. He said many heavy vehicles and tankers have large fuel tank capacities, making high-volume diesel purchases normal. Despite this, pump operators are being questioned over such transactions. At the same time, all three state-run oil companies have clarified that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in Madhya Pradesh. Consumers have been urged not to believe rumours. According to the companies, some petrol pumps are temporarily running dry because of a sudden spike in demand and increased pressure at specific outlets. Bulk fuel supply restrictions imposed Oil companies have issued strict instructions to petrol pump operators not to supply petrol or diesel in bulk quantities. Supplying fuel from retail pumps to industrial consumers has been restricted, as industrial fuel pricing is different from retail pricing. As a result, companies are now monitoring online how much fuel is being sold from each pump. Operators have been directed to follow the rules while ensuring timely supply to customers. Pump operators question restrictions Petrol pump operators have alleged that all restrictions are being imposed only on them. They claimed companies are publicly saying that no limits have been imposed, while simultaneously fixing caps on diesel sales at pumps. According to operators, notices are being issued and inquiries conducted whenever petrol worth more than ₹5,000 or diesel worth over ₹10,000 is sold. They said such a situation had never arisen before and pointed out that many modern vehicles now have fuel tank capacities exceeding these limits, often leading to disputes with customers. Company officials have reportedly advised operators to explain the rules to consumers. Operators allege supply delays Pump operators also claimed that if payment for fuel stock and indent requests are not submitted by 5 pm, fuel tankers are not dispatched the following day. In such cases, supply is delayed by another day. They alleged that the quantity of fuel being supplied is lower than the demand being placed. Operators further said the earlier credit-based supply system has been discontinued, meaning advance payment is now mandatory before fuel dispatch. According to them, delayed supply in several districts adjoining cities has led to petrol pumps temporarily running dry. However, officials from all three oil companies denied these allegations, maintaining that petrol and diesel supplies are being delivered on time. They said that if a petrol pump temporarily runs out of fuel, it should not be treated as a shortage or dry-out situation.