The government has warned industrial consumers against buying fuel from retail petrol pumps, saying this could disrupt supply chains and strain the country’s fuel distribution network. The warning comes amid growing concerns about surging world crude oil prices and tightening fuel supplies due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Officials said they expect industrial consumers to purchase their fuel directly from authorised bulk supply channels and not from diesel and petrol retail outlets meant for the general public.
Authorities fear that a growing shift by factories, transport operators, and commercial users toward retail fuel stations could lead to shortages for ordinary consumers and affect the smooth functioning of fuel logistics across several regions.
The warning comes amid reports that some industrial consumers are increasingly turning to retail pumps because of price differences and supply-related issues in the bulk fuel market. Officials in the government stressed that the retail outlets are meant to serve the individual and small scale demand and the large volume industrial requirements will have to continue through the specific commercial arrangements with the oil marketing companies.
The international energy markets remain volatile and industry experts see this move as a way to avoid panic buying and maintain fuel availability in a balanced manner.
Oil marketing companies are also believed to be tracking unusual spikes in diesel sales at certain retail outlets. The government has said that the country has adequate fuel stocks and has urged industries to cooperate with the existing distribution mechanisms to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the retail supply chain.