President of Vidarbha Petroleum Dealers Association (VPDA) Amit Gupta told TOI, “Only people working in emergency services, government machinery, supply of essential goods are using vehicles. City’s 94 pumps sell around 5 lakh litres petrol and 1.5 lakh litres diesel every day. Sale is now below 15 per cent.”
Gupta’s own outlet used to sell around 8,000 litres daily which is now down to 1,000 litres (12.5 per cent). Similarly, sale of diesel has come down from 2,000 litres to 200 litres per day (10 per cent).
Gupta said, “Operation cost has continued to be same and we are required to keep open as per government’s guidelines. Even, evaporation loss has increased with rise in temperature.”
Gupta added that Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers has requested three public sector petroleum companies to give a financial package from March and continue it for 120 days after lockdown ends. “The consortium stated that debt-ridden dealers can sustain no more stress. Pump owners and staff are working like heroes in prevailing situation and need immediate help,” he said.
