Despite long queues at outlets IOC says no fuel shortage

There is no shortage of fuel in Chennai or its suburbs, where petrol pumps were closed for safe¬ty following floods, the nation’s largest oil marketing firm IOC has said. As the devastating floods led to several infrastructure bottlenecks across Chennai and its suburbs over the last week, retail fuel outlets reportedly “ran dry” following lack of supply. “Customers are requested not to panic. There is no fuel shortage in the city. Due to heavy water-logging many petrol pumps are not being operated due to safety and security reasons, as fuelling is an electrical operation”, the company said in a statement. Besides, availability of service staff like tank truck drivers and pump attendants has become a “big challenge” in the current situation.

Due to water-logging, supplies are now coming from Tiruchirap¬palli, Sankari, Chittoor and Bengaluru, it said. All efforts were being made to effectively dispense fuel wherever feasible, Indian Oil said.

In a huge relief to flood hit residents of the city, state-run AAVIN today said adequate measures are being taken to step up milk supply and that it would reach full capacity by tomorrow. The supply of milk sachets stood at 8.20 lakh litre milk yesterday while it was 10.20 lakh litres today. By tomorrow, the supply of milk will reach its full capacity, it said. On supply of milk powder the company said sufficient milk powder were supplied to people staying in relief camps. About 75 metric tonnes of milk powder were distributed to areas coming under Chennai Corporation, 105 metric tonnes and 108.