Private refiners compete with state firms to sell diesel to railways
Reliance along with state-owned refiners has been shortlisted by the railways for an annual fuel supply contract beginning 1 April
New Delhi: Private refiners Reliance Industries Ltd and Essar Oil Ltd are competing with state refiners to sell diesel to Indian Railways, sources at the state refiners said, after the central government’s control over diesel pricing ended last year.
Indian Railways, the biggest client for diesel, consumes up to 2.5 million tonnes of the fuel each year.
Tenders for supplying diesel to the railways country-wide are yet to be finalized.
“Reliance has been short-listed for supplies at some locations but the supplies have not yet begun," petroleum secretary Saurabh Chandra said at an energy conference on Wednesday.
Reliance offered a discount of about ₹ 1,800 a kilometre to the railways, he added.
A source at Indian Oil Corp. Ltd, the country’s biggest refiner, said the private refiner, along with state-owned ones, has been shortlisted by the railways for an annual fuel supply contract beginning 1 April.
“It is now up to the zonal divisions, which supplier they choose for supplies of diesel depending on discount offered," the source said.
Till last year, the railways received supplies from state refiners who have a nation-wide network and were entitled for compensation from the government for selling fuel at cheaper rates.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!