Nearly three-day-old fuel crisis in Chennai is over with
starting of normal distribution of petroleum products on pumps. Oil marketing
companies have ensured substantial quantities of oil stock to meet with any
demand fuel in city. There was no rush on petrol pumps and business was as
usual. State government held meeting with executives of oil companies to
resolve the issue of petroleum products in state. Various oil companies like
Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Hindustan
Petroleum Corporation Ltd participated in meeting beside state government
officials. The government has directed oil companies to forward the details of
opening and closing balance to the Food Secretary and Civil Supplies
Commissioner.

Senior officials of the companies has said that slippage in
the arrival of an import consignment of diesel by the BPCL was the reason
behind temporary shortfall of oil. One consignment of 14,000 tones diesel has
arrived from Kochi
while other 28,000 tones is in its way. Large manufacturing and information
technology companies in and around Chennai remained unaffected today despite
many fuel outlets in the city trying to ration the little stock left with them.

Chennai was facing acute shortage of oil for last three
days. Oil supply fell drastically when oil tankers of BPCL did not arrive at
time. Government machinery has confirmed restoration of adequate supply of
petroleum products after meeting with executive of oil companies.

State-level Coordinator of oil industry (Tamil Nadu and
Puducherry) and Executive Director of IOC (TN State office), Mr. V.K.
Jayachandran said, “We have sufficient stock … loaded [in tankers], 7,500 KL of
diesel as against the average daily off take of 4,800 KL and 3,300 KL of petrol
against the requirement of 2,085 KL.”

Government has also told oil companies to nominate special
coordinators to monitor the stock position. 
Companies have also told not to force customers to buy branded fuel.
Companies should rather sell branded oil by creating awareness among people. It
was decided in the meeting that oil companies, district administration and
consumer forums will work together to create awareness among people.