Deora seeks explanation on diesel shortage; to meet OMCs chiefs

New Delhi, Aug 13 (UNI) In view of the reported diesel shortages, the government today said it has sought an explanation from the chiefs of oil marketing companies -- Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum.

''There have been reports of diesel shortages, especially in Maharashtra, and I have called a meeting of oil PSU Chiefs next Tuesday to seek an explanation,'' Mr Deora told reporters here.

The demand for diesel has gone up by over 20 per cent in the country, as it is being diverted significantly for power generation because of cheaper cost, he said.

''Demand-supply gap seems to have widened because of this,'' the Minister said.

He will now ''seek an explanation'' on the shortage at the meeting of heads of state oil companies August 19.

IOC alone is losing Rs 195 crore per day on current diesel sales.

The OMCs are usually losing Rs 23 a litre of diesel due to subsidised retail price.

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