There is a severe CNG shortage in Varanasi. Disputes between companies and dealers have led to the closure of CNG stations in the city, causing significant inconvenience to the public.

CNG pumps closed in Varanasi, symbolic strike announced, what is the whole matter?

Due to a breakdown in coordination between the CNG company, the oil company, and the dealer, a dozen CNG pumps in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, have been closed. Employees have also announced a symbolic strike. The lack of CNG has led to long queues of CNG-powered vehicles in Varanasi.

It is being reported that pump dealers are not receiving timely payments. This has led to a triangular conflict involving GAIL Limited, the oil company, and dealers. Consequently, CNG stations in Varanasi are closing one by one.

Problems increased due to non-availability of gas

Two-three days ago, CNG was available at different CNG stations, but now due to closure of more than a dozen centres, the problem is becoming more severe.

ABP News spoke with auto drivers queuing outside a CNG station. They say they've been facing a severe CNG shortage for the past several days. With many CNG stations closed, they're facing significant difficulties in obtaining gas, often waiting in line for hours. The public is bearing the brunt of the infighting between dealers and companies.

Meetings continue between oil companies and dealers.

Let us tell you that, seeing the increasing problems of the common people, meetings are going on between the oil companies and dealers and the dispute is likely to be resolved soon.

What is the root of this controversy?

The country's three major oil companies, Hindustan Petroleum, Indian Oil, and Bharat Petroleum, have an agreement with the gas company GAIL Limited. Under this agreement, CNG is filled in vehicles at these companies' petrol pumps. These oil companies retain a portion of the profits from CNG sales and share the remaining portion with the petrol pump owners. In Varanasi, the main dispute between these two parties is over commission sharing and electricity bill payments.