The Petrol Pump Dealers Association Punjab (PPDAP) has written to the Punjab Chief Secretary, demanding immediate intervention to resolve a severe fuel inventory replenishment crisis that has left retail outlets across the state dry, particularly those run by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).In a representation submitted to the Punjab Civil Secretariat, PPDAP president Paramjit Singh Doaba said that despite dealers maintaining sufficient advance payments in their accounts under the prevailing “Cash and Carry” system, fuel supplies continue to face repeated delays and disruptions.The situation has resulted in acute shortages and frequent dry-outs at several petrol pumps, causing operational difficulties and inconvenience to the public.While Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has managed the situation comparatively better with fewer dry-outs, the problem is said to be most acute at HPCL dealerships, followed by BPCL outlets. Prolonged dry-outs have been reported from multiple districts, especially in rural areas, the letter stated.Adding to the dealers’ woes, the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are reportedly forcing them to lift premium-grade fuels — priced nearly Rs 10 per litre higher than regular petrol and diesel — before clearing normal MS/HSD indents.HPCL, in particular, is aggressively pushing its “POWER” petrol as part of the indent execution process, while IOCL and BPCL are also insisting on premium product lifting to some extent. The association claimed that the practice is imposing avoidable financial burdens on dealers already grappling with strained replenishment cycles.The letter further stated that prior to February 2026, oil depots routinely operated on holidays, including Jattvibedays, to clear pending indents and maintain smooth supply lines. However, several depots have now curtailed holiday operations and reduced working hours, disrupting replenishment schedules and aggravating supply instability across Punjab.“Retail outlets are frequently running dry, creating panic and apprehension among consumers, especially farmers, regarding fuel availability. This has resulted in unusual rushes and long queues at outlets where inventories are still available,” the representation states.The dealer fraternity, which has always extended full cooperation to the oil companies and the administration during crises, now expects “operational fairness, institutional support, and responsible supply management” rather than practices that intensify financial and operational distress, the letter adds.Underlining that petroleum products are essential commodities directly impacting public mobility, emergency services, agriculture, transport and trade, the association has urged the Chief Secretary to direct the concerned OMCs to ensure regular, fair and uninterrupted fuel supplies to restore normalcy.The letter has been copied to the Director, Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Punjab.Doaba appealed for the government’s “timely intervention” to prevent further hardship to both dealers and the public.