No Relief: Fuel Prices Hiked By Rs 3, Petrol Nears Rs 112, Diesel Rs 99

Nagpur: Petrol and diesel prices were hiked once again across the country on Monday, with rates rising by nearly 3 per litre within a week, pushing petrol prices in Nagpur close to the 112 mark and branded fuel beyond 120 per litre.Following the latest revision, petrol in Nagpur is now retailing at 111.70 per litre, up from 108.07, while diesel prices climbed to 98.90 per litre from 95.58. Branded petrol prices too surged sharply, touching 120.79 per litre against the earlier 118.06.The latest hike comes amid heightened concerns over global crude oil supply following the ongoing West Asia conflict and days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the need for austerity and responsible fuel consumption. However, district collector Kumar Ashirwad, during a review meeting held on Monday to assess the district's fuel situation, assured that adequate petrol and diesel stock is available in Nagpur and appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary hoarding or panic buying.According to figures reviewed by the district administration, fuel stocks across Nagpur district are currently sufficient to meet demand for next 3 to 6 days. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), which operates 99 petrol pumps in the district, currently has 1,265 kilolitres (KL) of petrol and 1,497 KL of diesel in stock. The company's outlets record an average daily sale of around 301 KL petrol and 468 KL diesel.Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), operating 143 pumps in the district, has highest available reserves with 2,494 KL petrol and 3,830 KL diesel in stock, while Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has 1,280 KL petrol and 2,050 KL diesel available across its 136 pumps. BPCL outlets witness average daily sales of 412 KL petrol and 930 KL diesel, whereas IOCL pumps sell nearly 255 KL petrol and 510 KL diesel every day.Officials said fuel supply from Mumbai and other refineries remains uninterrupted. After reviewing the situation with oil company representatives and senior officials, the collector directed companies and pump operators to ensure that no artificial shortage is created in the district.The administration has also permitted dispensing diesel in cans for agricultural purposes after identity verification. Farmers can obtain up to 40 litres of diesel daily upon producing valid documents such as Aadhaar cards or 7/12 extracts.Police have been asked to monitor overcrowding and prevent disputes at petrol pumps.Warning against violations, Ashirwad said strict action would be taken under provisions of the Petroleum Rules, the Disaster Management Act and other applicable laws against anyone found creating artificial shortages or violating directives.