Pune, 19 November 2025: The Petrol Dealers Association, Pune has announced that petrol pumps across the city may remain closed after 7 PM. This decision comes in response to multiple attacks on petrol pump attendants over the last few days, raising serious concerns about their safety.
In the past seven days, three separate incidents of assault on petrol pump employees have been reported in Pune. The latest one was at an Indian Oil outlet in Bhairobanala on November 16, just days after another staff member was attacked at an IOC pump in Yerwada.
The association strongly condemned these repeated assaults. They stated that attendants, who work around the clock to ensure smooth fuel supply, are operating in fear due to violent behaviour by some customers late at night.
Petrol pump dealers have taken the issue to senior police officials. They have sent written complaints to the police commissioners of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, as well as to the superintendent of Pune Rural, demanding swift and strict action against the offenders.
Association president Dhruv Ruparel said attendants are frontline service providers and their safety and dignity cannot be compromised. He warned that if police fail to provide adequate protection, fuel stations will be forced to shut operations after 7 PM every day.
