An alleged restriction in fuel distribution by some of the oil marketing companies in the wake of the latest price hike has sparked concern among petrol pump owners across northern Kerala districts, with many dealers warning that continued disruption could force them to suspend operations temporarily.

Operators in Kozhikode, Wayanad and Malappuram districts said many outlets were facing unforeseen disruption in fuel supply, leading to uncertainty over regular operations. Some dealers in Kozhikode alleged that supply restrictions were in place soon after reports emerged about the increase in fuel prices.

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According to dealers, fuel companies were delaying deliveries despite advance payment being made for the required stock. “They are citing various technical reasons and issues with the refineries to delay the stock. We are going through an unpredictable business situation,” a pump owner in Kozhikode city said.

He also claimed that the regulation affected several local petroleum dealers, mainly dependent on the HPCL depot at Elathur. A few fuel stations had already been forced to suspend operations temporarily owing to shortage of stock, he said.

Hameem Parayangatt, a petroleum bunk owner in Malappuram district, said the dwindling stock position could eventually affect vehicular movement apart from disrupting various essential services. “Petroleum dealers are deeply concerned over the unexpected development. We are now compelled to restrict the existing stock for emergency requirements,” he said.

Libineesh Kunnath, district secretary of the Kozhikode District Petroleum Dealers Association, alleged that the State was witnessing clear instances of hoarding and black marketing by some of the oil companies.

“The situation is likely to worsen in the days to come as fuel prices are expected to rise further under the prevailing circumstances. We have already taken up the issue with the representatives of the oil companies and sought immediate corrective measures,” he said.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in other sectors also expressed apprehension over the possible impact of the fuel shortage and rising prices. A functionary of the quarry owners’ association said the price hike and delayed fuel replenishment would eventually affect the distribution of construction materials and stall several ongoing development projects. It could also lead to a hike in the prices of quarry materials, he said.

Taxi operators in Kozhikode city also indicated that they might be forced to levy additional charges on passengers. Drivers of small vehicles, including auto-rickshaws and emergency service vehicles, said waiting for a formal government order on fare revision would not be practical under the prevailing circumstances as many depend on daily operations for their livelihood.

Meanwhile, the representatives of some of the oil companies including the HPCL said the existing situation was the impact of various war-induced regulations and oil companies were having limited roles to take independent decisions. They also claimed that there were no attempts to restrict the supply, as alleged by the dealers, in the wake of the price hike.