Supply of diesel in the four southern states, which was interrupted in the recent days, would become normal as Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) has resumed operations, according to a government announcement.
In the last few days, diesel shortage was reported in fuel stations in the southern states, which according to an announcement from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC), was due to the shutdown of MRPL from April 12, 2012.
“The closure of MRPL was due to certain restrictions placed on them by the local administration on the withdrawal of water from local sources. This issue has since been sorted out and MRPL has been allowed to draw water. The refinery has since started operations and the product is expected to flow from May 1, 2012,” the announcement said.
Meanwhile, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is moving a tanker, which is expected to be berthed in Chennai on April 29, and IOC is planning an import parcel of diesel from Singapore, which is also expected to be berthed in Chennai shortly.
“With the above arrangements and also the resumption of MRPL, supply of all petroleum products, including diesel, would be normal soon,” it added.
MRPL, a standalone refinery, is a subsidiary of ONGC. All oil companies have arrangements with MRPL for supply of petroleum products to the four southern states.
However, the main pipeline infrastructure is with HPCL. The products from MRPL are mainly consumed in Karnataka by oil companies. HPCL is moving products from MRPL to various parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, while IOC and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) mainly draw supplies from their subsidiary companies at Chennai and Kochi.
