Zuari Indian Oil Tanking Limited (ZIOTL) is grappling with the challenge of pinpointing the origin of a petroleum leak, resulting in the suspension of diesel and petrol transportation through the 14km pipeline from Mormugao Port to Sancoale. Although the Sancoale depot maintains a 15-day stock, fuel tankers from Miraj, Desur, and Belagavi are already being deployed to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply across the state.
While authorities are still racing to identify the leak source, officials report the cancellation or redirection of bulk cargo vessels arriving from Mundra or Hazira ports. Despite concerns about a potential shortage, local retailers assure the public that there is no scarcity of supply in the state.
“There is no shortage in the state. Although they can’t pump through the pipeline to the ZIOTL depot at Vasco, tankers are bringing in fuel from Miraj and Desur. Generally, the depot will have fuel for around 15 days,” reassured the owner of a major retail outlet.
With Goa consuming approximately 900 Kl of petrol and 1,000 Kl of diesel daily through fuel stations operated by major oil marketing companies, the disruption in pumping operations prompts a reliance on stock transfers to bridge the supply gap.
“The scene is not bad, and there is no need to panic. The time taken to bring the fuel to Goa is more, as lorries have to travel to Maharashtra and Goa, and depots have to prepare for extra paperwork. However, there is no drop in supply. Some fuel stations may have experienced shortages for a few minutes or at most an hour on Tuesday, but supply was ensured today (Wednesday),” stated a representative from a retailer in North Goa.
