No fuel shortage in Chennai, but many pumps are not operational: IOC

Indian Oil today said that all efforts are being made to effectively dispense fuels wherever it is feasible in Chennai. The public sector company said that there is no fuel shortage, but due to heavy water logging, many petrol pumps are not being operated.

In a press release the company said "Customers are requested not to panic..there is NO fuel shortage in the city. Due to heavy water logging many petrol pumps are not being operated due to safety and security reasons, as fuelling is an electrical operation."

Since dispensing of products to vehicles is an electrical operation, which cannot be resorted to when the pump is filled with water, the pumps are shut, IOC said.

The company also said availability of service staff like tank truck drivers and pump attendants is another major problem. Many of them are from low lying areas, where houses have got submerged in water.

Due to water logging in company supply points, the company is sourcing products from Trichy, Sankari, Chittoor, Bangalore etc.

"All efforts are being made to effectively dispense fuels wherever it is feasible. Adequate care and efforts are being taken to adhere to safety and security norms," said IOC in a statement.

It may be noted, petrol bunks in the city were shut for the last two days and many of them have said the bunks are out of stock. The bunks which are operating are not accepting credit or debt cards, as networks are down. Customers are not able to pay cash since most of the ATMs are not working.

Indian Oil Corporation