Pune, 5th June 2026: Several petrol pumps across the city have restricted the sale of diesel in cans, drums and other portable containers. While no official government order has been issued, many fuel stations have either stopped such sales or made them subject to conditions such as identity verification, written requests and supporting documents.
Petrol pump operators say the move is intended to prevent the illegal storage and misuse of diesel, black marketing, theft and other safety risks. According to them, decisions regarding the supply of diesel in containers are taken in line with guidelines and advisories issued by oil companies and relevant authorities.
A petrol pump operator said, “We have to follow regulations keeping in mind the misuse of diesel and safety concerns. Decisions on supplying fuel in cans are taken according to instructions issued by oil companies and authorities. In some cases, diesel is provided if customers submit the required documents.”
The restrictions have caused problems for farmers, construction contractors and operators of diesel-powered equipment, particularly in rural areas. Many generators, water pumps and road construction machines are located far from petrol pumps, making it difficult to bring them directly to fuel stations for refuel.
As a result, operators who depend on transporting diesel in cans say their work is being disrupted, leading to delays in agricultural and construction activities.
The impact of the restrictions is also being felt by hospitals that rely on diesel generators during power outages. Several private hospitals, especially small and medium-sized facilities, have reported difficulties in obtaining fuel needed to run critical services such as intensive care units, operation theatres, ventilators, lifts and other essential equipment.
Hospital authorities warn that any disruption in generator operations could affect patient care and emergency medical services.
Dr. Aditya Kelkar, Ophthalmologist and Medical Director at the National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO), said the shortage had already affected hospital operations.
“We had a few surgeries scheduled today and depend on generator power for several preparations. However, we could not obtain diesel for the generator despite visiting multiple petrol pumps. As a result, we had to postpone three surgeries, causing inconvenience to patients,” he said.
With the restrictions continuing at several fuel stations, affected residents, businesses and healthcare institutions are seeking clearer guidelines to ensure that essential services and daily operations are not disrupted.
