Fuel Crisis Hits Kolhan: Petrol Pumps Run Dry Across NH-33

Jamshedpur: A severe shortage of petrol and diesel has gripped the Kolhan region and key stretches of the Tata-Ranchi National Highway (NH-33), triggering widespread panic among commuters and transporters. Policy changes by oil companies and logistical bottlenecks have brought fuel supplies to a near standstill across the region.

Pumps Shut Down as Reserves Vanish

In Jamshedpur, several petrol pumps in high-traffic areas like Sakchi, Parsudih, and Karandih have halted operations after exhausting their reserves. The few stations that remain open have begun rationing fuel, limiting the amount each customer can purchase to stretch their dwindling stocks.

The Root of the Crisis

Kunal Kar, Secretary of the Kolhan Petroleum Dealers Association, identified two primary factors driving the shortage:

• New “Pay-First” Policy: Oil companies recently discontinued credit facilities, enforcing a strict advance payment rule. This change has created a working capital crunch for small operators who now struggle to arrange funds upfront.
• Logistical Failures: A shortage of fuel tankers has crippled the supply chain. While stations previously received daily deliveries, smaller outlets now wait up to a week for a single restock.

Disparity in Supply

The crisis has hit Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) outlets the hardest. Conversely, larger stations affiliated with Indian Oil (IOCL) and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL)—particularly those operating their own tanker fleets—are managing the situation more effectively.

Impact on Jamshedpur and NH-33

Jamshedpur typically consumes 300,000 litres of petrol and an equal amount of diesel daily. The shortage has resulted in:

• Long queues and panic buying at functional stations.
• Disrupted goods transportation along the vital NH-33 artery.
• Commuter delays as private vehicles run out of fuel.

Dealers warn that the crisis in Kolhan will likely intensify unless the government and oil companies take immediate steps to restore supply chains and ease financial constraints on operators.