Maharashtra Faces Potential Fuel Crisis Despite Current Stability

Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik assured that the state's road transport body remains unaffected by diesel shortages due to ongoing geopolitical issues, guaranteeing a steady fuel supply for two months. However, he admitted there is no contingency plan if supplies are disrupted.

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) relies heavily on diesel, requiring 10.87 lakh litres daily for its bus operations across the state. Although MSRTC operates 780 electric buses, they are insufficient to meet the state's full transport needs, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in the system.

To mitigate financial losses, totaling nearly Rs 12,000 crore, the MSRTC plans to introduce new tenders, AI-based sensors, and additional petrol pumps to boost revenue. The aim is to offset the Rs 750 crore lost this financial year and prepare for future fuel shortages.