Petrol pumps in Kolhapur to remain shut between 9pm and 6am

Kolhapur: Petrol pump operators in the city have decided to suspend operations from 9pm to 6am, citing uncontrollable crowds and demand for more fuel exceeding the current limit of Rs200 for two-wheelers and Rs2,000 for cars and three-wheelers.Despite the rationing measures, many pumps across the city remained shut on Friday, while those that were open saw long queues starting from early morning. While waiting times have decreased slightly compared to previous days, motorists are still waiting between 30 and 60 minutes to refuel. Beyond crowd management, operators are also grappling with a change in credit terms from oil companies. "We are now required to make advance payments in the range of several lakhs to secure a single tanker load," said one pump operator on condition of anonymity. "Previously, the companies provided tankers on at least a one-day credit basis, but that has stopped."Meanwhile, district collector Amol Yedge has issued a formal order prohibiting bulk sale of fuel in containers, cans, and bottles. The impact of this directive was visible on the ground, as operators strictly enforced the ban. Officials noted that the restriction on bulk sales has helped marginally reduce waiting periods at petrol pumps.