TPDA expresses concern over non-supply of petroleum products

Tiruchirapalli, Feb 17 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers Association(TPDA) has expressed concern over the insufficient and non-supply of diesel and petrol by the oil companies .

In an 'Extraordinary Meeting' here last night, TPDA had decided to resort to an agitation before the IOC's bulk outlet at Vazhavanthankottai near here on February 21.

Talking to newspersons here, SP Kumarappan, General Secretary of the TPDA, said the situation was worsening in rural and semi-urban areas on account of erratic and stoppage of supply from IOC, HPC and BPCL, as the retail outlets had become dry since February one.

Out of 250 outlets in Tiruchi, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Perambalur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts and Karaikal, about 70 per cent of the petrol pumps had denied regular supply to their clients in the last 15 days.

Mr Kumarappan said in seven districts, about 36800 kl petrol and diesel were sold in a month, considering a 20 per cent growth in the recent past. The total requirement was 44160 kl, but in view of the inadequate supply from oil companies, especially IOC, the supply would not exceed 25,000 kl in a month, he alleged.

The association also criticised the IOC officials for their negligence in distribution and urged them to focus on the crisis transparently. The oil companies would be offered on pro-rata reduction of quantity, if they are inclined to meet the demand across the country, he added.

He said if the oil companies failed to concede their demands, the TPDA, may have no other option, but to take stringent action over the issue in the TPDA Special General Body meeting at Dindigul on February 24.

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