Pune: Petrol pump operators in Pune have declared an indefinite strike starting Tuesday, October 15, citing unmet demands by petroleum companies.

The Petrol Dealers Association has raised concerns over the improper tender process for fuel transportation, which they claim has led to increased fuel theft.

Despite several complaints lodged with the petroleum companies, no action has been taken, prompting the operators to halt operations indefinitely.

According to Dhruv Ruparal, President of the Petrol Dealers Association, petroleum companies have been awarding fuel transportation contracts through a flawed process.

The tenders are issued at rates that are impractical for safe fuel delivery, and distributors are often forced to sign blank agreements.

Ruparal added that many of the transporters who accept lower rates are involved in fuel theft, with 65% of them already apprehended by the police. He accused the petroleum companies of taking unilateral decisions without consulting all stakeholders, thereby compromising the security of fuel transportation and risking public safety.

Over the past two years, 10 incidents of fuel theft have been recorded in Pune. In a recent case, police took action under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA).

Despite significant investments in advanced systems to prevent fuel theft, continued negligence by officials has allowed these incidents to persist, Ruparal explained.

The Petrol Dealers Association has outlined several demands, including the immediate cancellation of all current tenders for fuel transportation, the issuance of new tenders at practical rates, and the suspension of officials responsible for neglecting safety protocols.

The association is also calling for a police investigation into the involvement of these officials in the ongoing fuel theft.

Ruparal further stated, "We have already notified the Ministry of Petroleum, local authorities, and petroleum companies about the indefinite strike.

From October 15 onward, it will be the responsibility of the petroleum companies to ensure that petrol and diesel are delivered to pumps on time and in the correct quantities to avoid inconveniencing the public."