Petrol, diesel sales fall by over 50% in Bihar

PATNA: The implementation of the new Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 with steep fines for traffic violations appear to have taken a toll on the sales of diesel and petrol in the state.
The first week of this month (Sept 1-8) saw petrol sales plunge by over 55% while diesel sales fell by over 54% when compared with the figures of last week of August (Aug 22-31), just before the new MV Act came into effect.
According to the latest figures, in the first week of September 29,081 kilo litres of diesel was sold in the state against 63,768 kilo litres in the last week of August. “The sale of petrol in the first week of September was 17,096 kilo litres compared to the sale of 38,274 kilo litres in the last week of August,” an Indian Oil Corporation official said.
The sale of petrol was severely affected after a few days of the implementation of the new MV Act on September 1. In the first two-days of September, there was no noticeable fall but after that the sales plunged, said a dealer.
KB Gandhi, manager of a petrol pump at Buddh Marg said the sale of petrol has gone down by 40%. “Diesel sales have dropped roughly by 18%. In the aftermath of the new MV Act, the number of vehicles coming to our station dropped to 800 per day compared to 1,500 vehicles that arrived per day on an average,” Gandhi said.
A proprietor of a petrol pump at Bahadurpur, Anuj Raj said, “Over the past 10 days, we have witnessed a fall of 25% in the sale of petrol and diesel. It was never this low even during hike of fuel prices. The business has been affected only because of the new MV Act.”
Agreed Ashok Kumar, another proprietor of a petrol pump at Dak Bunglow roundabout. “Almost 12% and 20% fall in petrol and diesel was recorded in the last few days. There is usually a rush of vehicle at the intersection of Frazer road and Exhibition road, but nowadays it is mostly empty,” Kumar said.
Prabhat Kumar Singh, president of Bihar Petroleum Dealer’s Association (BPDA) told this newspaper on Wednesday that several owners of petrol pumps have expressed their apprehension over low turn-out of vehicles at their fuelling stations. “Since the implementation of the new law, fewer vehicles are coming out on roads due to fear of hefty penalties for road traffic violations. Thus, the petrol dealers have been facing decrease in the sale of petrol and diesel,” he said.
He added: “It is too early to say, how much the sale has gone down. Once, the month concludes, we will compare the figures with September 2018. The sale drop has mostly affected urban areas but not in rural Bihar where the law was not enforced strictly.”
Singh said he has suggested petrol pump dealers to rope in an agent to renew vehicle insurance. “Most people are not coming out on the roads because their insurance has lapsed. I have also suggested them to keep a set of 10 helmets, so that people can buy. As far as the pollution under control (PUC) certificate is concerned, transport department has already asked petrol pumps for setting up of testing centre,” he said.
Shristha, a student of Magadh Mahila College said she was challaned for not wearing helmet and not having PUC. “I’m not taking any risks now. So, for the time being I’m using public transport,” she said.