A severe diesel supply shortage in Kutch, triggered amid the prevailing global fuel crisis and mounting geopolitical tensions affecting international crude oil supply chains, has started impacting transport movement, industrial production and EXIM trade activities across the region.
Trade and industry stakeholders in Kutch have raised serious concerns over restricted diesel availability, with transporters and truck drivers reportedly receiving only 70 to 80 litres of diesel after waiting in long queues for several hours. The shortage has disrupted transportation schedules, port-linked cargo movement and the functioning of industries heavily dependent on uninterrupted fuel supply.
The issue assumes significance as nearly 40 per cent of the country’s EXIM trade is handled through Kutch, including major cargo operations at Deendayal Port Authority and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone operated Mundra Port. Key sectors such as timber, salt, minerals, ceramics, agriculture, logistics and infrastructure development have been facing operational challenges due to constrained diesel availability for heavy vehicles, DG sets and industrial machinery.
In response to the crisis, a high-level joint meeting was convened under the chairmanship of the Kutch Collector with participation from officials of IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, Nayara, Reliance and Shell, along with district authorities and trade bodies. Oil companies and the administration assured stakeholders that immediate measures would be taken to improve fuel availability and prevent disruption to trade and transport operations.
Earlier, industry representatives held detailed discussions with district officials highlighting the growing impact of fuel shortages on industrial continuity and port-related logistics. Stakeholders warned that any prolonged disruption in diesel supply could adversely affect the country’s trade flow and industrial growth.
Amid the ongoing crisis, the The Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce & Industry has emerged as an active and responsible coordinating platform for safeguarding trade, industry and logistics activities in Kutch amid the prevailing global fuel supply challenges arising out of ongoing geopolitical tensions and pressures on the international crude oil supply chain.
