Fuel outlets seek supply of non-ethanol blended petrol during monsoon

With the northeast monsoon just around the corner, fuel dealers are a worried lot. Scenarios of flooded outlets and water seepage into the underground tanks are doing the rounds on their networks. They say that they are bracing for the monsoon as always, ready with gensets, men for extra shifts, and pumps to bail out water. They also advise motorists to keep sufficient fuel and not let the tanks go dry.

“Every year, a few retail outlets in the city get flooded, and dealers end up losing a few lakh rupees, especially after the ethanol blended petrol was introduced. At present, we have 20% blended MS (motor spirit), and if water enters the underground tanks containing this MS, the ethanol will separate from the fuel, and what we get is whiteish looking water. We have been asking that the State-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) give us plain petrol at least during the monsoon, but to no avail,” said a dealer on the city’s outskirts.

Though OMCs have taken steps to apply a sealant to close any gaps leading to the underground tankage, dealers say that there are still gaps that could let in floodwater. “Gaps made by the dip, the lines leading to the tank for the automation, and some others may seem small yet these are through which water get in. If dealers take insurance including these clauses, they can make good at least 70% of the losses due to this,” said a dealer from the western suburbs.

Some older retail outlets have laid a layer of interlocking bricks to increase the height of the ground so that they will be above road-level. Due to frequent relaying of roads, some older outlets have lost the edge of being a bit higher than the road level.

While preparing for the monsoon, dealers have been buying fireproof motor pumps, ensuring manpower is available for all shifts during the rain, clearing canopies of leaves and dust to ensure there is proper rainwater drainage. “Ever since the incident at Saidapet, where the canopy of an outlet crashed due to the weight, OMCs and dealers have been taking proper care when it comes to canopies,” an industry watcher said.