Driven by farm sector and tourism, diesel sale up by 14%

Panaji: Goa recorded a significant rise in diesel retail sales in the first 20 days of May, with the state witnessing a consumption of 18,697 KL of high-speed diesel (HSD) compared to 16,353 KL during the corresponding period last year, reflecting a growth of 14%, shows data released by oil marketing companies (OMCs).

The increase in fuel demand was attributed to multiple factors, including seasonal tilling and harvesting activities in rural agricultural areas. In addition, price differences between suppliers led to a shift of customers towards public sector retail outlets.

According to data for the period from May 1 to 21, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited saw institutional and commercial consumers shift to retail fuel outlets, which contributed to the higher demand.

The OMCs continued coordinated operations and logistics management across the country to ensure uninterrupted availability of petrol, diesel and LPG amid a surge in fuel demand in several regions, including Goa, said a statement from the ministry of petroleum & natural gas.

Public sector OMCs maintained uninterrupted fuel supplies through their extensive nationwide infrastructure comprising terminals, depots, pipelines, LPG bottling plants and retail outlets. Supply teams, transport networks, terminal operations and select retail outlets functioned round the clock to ensure seamless movement and timely replenishment of petroleum products across markets, the note said.

The OMCs also worked in close coordination with Goa govt to maintain smooth and efficient fuel distribution. The oil industry reassured consumers that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG are available across the country and all necessary measures were being taken to ensure uninterrupted supplies.

Citizens were advised to continue normal purchasing behaviour and avoid panic buying. Consumers were also urged to rely only on official communications issued by authorised agencies and oil marketing companies for accurate information regarding fuel availability.