Fuel supply worries deepen in Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur: Apprehensions of a fuel shortage are rising across the city after oil companies enforced a strict advance payment policy for petrol and diesel supplies to retail outlets.

The move, believed to be linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region, is beginning to have a visible local impact.

With residents already facing a shortage of LPG cylinders, fears are now shifting toward a potential disruption in petrol and diesel availability.

Under the revised system, fuel station operators are no longer being supplied on credit. Instead, they must make payments in advance or settle transactions immediately to receive stock.

This abrupt shift has placed considerable financial pressure on dealers who previously relied on credit-based operations.

Industry insiders caution that the new arrangement could slow down fuel procurement, potentially affecting supply across the city.

If the situation remains unchanged, consumers may soon encounter longer waiting times and increased congestion at fuel stations.

A local dealer, Nand Singh, noted that while supplies have not been halted, the withdrawal of credit facilities is making operations challenging for many pump owners.

The situation is more acute in the Chandil subdivision in Seraikela- Kharsawan, where an ongoing LPG shortage has already disrupted daily life.

Long queues outside gas agencies have become a common sight, reflecting the severity of the crisis.

Fuel availability in areas such as Ichagarh, Chowka, and Chandil has also been affected, with several pumps reporting limited stock.

In response, staff have begun rationing fuel, declining requests beyond fixed quantities.

This has led to increasing frustration among commuters, with occasional tensions reported at some locations.

Residents say the sudden constraints are impacting routine activities and are calling for swift administrative action.

Locals have urged authorities to identify the root cause of the disruption and ensure timely restoration of normal fuel supplies to prevent further inconvenience.