Nagpur: The ongoing fuel crisis is beginning to disrupt private long-distance bus operations, with operators warning of service cuts if diesel supplies do not stabilise soon.Hundreds of private buses run daily from the city, carrying thousands of passengers across Maharashtra and beyond. However, erratic diesel availability at fuel stations in Nagpur and neighbouring districts has made operations increasingly difficult.Nagpur Travels Association president Baba Dawre said the shortage is already affecting services. “One of my buses travelling to Pune struggled to find diesel at multiple pumps. The crew had to procure fuel in small quantities from different locations to bring it back,” he said.Operators typically depend on select fuel stations near the city, but many are now demanding advance payment after oil companies stopped extending credit. Several outlets have also run dry, worsening the situation, he added. Dawre warned that prolonged disruption could force operators to scale down services.Bus operator Mahendra Luley questioned official claims of adequate fuel supply, pointing out that diesel—despite lower consumption in the city than petrol—is unavailable at several pumps. “Petrol shortages can be attributed to high demand, but the lack of diesel raises serious concerns about actual stock levels,” he said, adding that services may be halted if the situation persists.Operators also flagged the lack of viable alternatives. The high cost of electric buses—around ₹1.9 crore compared to ₹90 lakh for diesel buses—makes any immediate transition unfeasible.With uncertainty continuing, operators fear prolonged shortages could severely disrupt intercity travel from Nagpur.
