Maharashtra's Fuel Future: Navigating Diesel Dilemmas Amid West Asia Conflict

Maharashtra's transport body is stable with diesel supply for the moment, despite ongoing West Asia conflicts. The state plans for increased diesel use, requiring 40 crore litres annually. Despite a lack of Plan B, electric buses offer limited assistance. The state's transport sector remains vulnerable to disruptions in international fuel supplies.

Maharashtra's road transport authority reports no current disruptions to diesel availability, despite rising tensions in West Asia, according to state minister Pratap Sarnaik. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is assured of stable fuel supplies for the next two months, but lacks a contingency plan if this changes.

Minister Sarnaik acknowledged the current provision of around 15,800 buses—of which only 780 are electric—can't fully adapt without substantial increases in diesel use. Annual costs for diesel are anticipated to climb from Rs 3,400 crore to Rs 4,700 crore with the addition of 8,000 diesel buses.

A competitive tender has ensured savings of Rs 241 crore annually for the MSRTC through Indian Oil Corporation. However, the MSRTC is already managing significant financial losses, around Rs 12,000 crore exacerbated by ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts affecting major fuel imports into India.

(With inputs from agencies.)