Sale of fuel continues to remain hampered

Aurangabad, Nov 25:

A large number of people working in companies, various government and semi-government offices and traders are leaving their homes after the lockdown. Despite increased vehicular movement on roads, the sale of petrol in the city continues to remain low. According to petrol pump owners the petrol sales is 40 per cent lower than before.

The city was in complete shut down, except for hospitals, medical and essential services. All private vehicles, including buses, transport vehicles, two and four wheelers were banned, leading to a drop in petrol sales. The state government announced the unlock from June. All government offices, private institutions and business establishments were opened. Hence vehicular movement increased on roads leading to rise in sale of petrol and diesel. Even so, the sales have not crossed 60 per cent of the total fuel consumption. According to Akhil Abbas, secretary of Petroleum Dealers Association, "Schools, colleges are closed. Thus school and college going youths are at home. Even the school buses are not being used. As a result, petrol sales have declined. Not only that, but employees of several private offices are working from home. This has also led to a drop in petrol sales. Petrol sales are still 40 per cent lower. In addition, fluctuations in petrol prices have affected sales. Petrol price has been hiked by 57 paise and diesel by Rs 1.09 in past few days. At present, a liter of petrol costs Rs 89.59. Diesel, on the other hand, cost Rs 79.13. Rising petrol and diesel prices are also affecting petrol sales.