India plagued by fuel shortage

CHENNAI, India, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- State government officials in India reversed a decision to limit the hours of retail gasoline stations as the country struggles with a mounting energy shortage.

Officials in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu met with the Petroleum Dealers' Association over a decision to limit the working hours of petrol stations to 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with no operations Sunday, in order to curb fuel consumption, the English-language Indian newspaper The Hindu reported Wednesday.

State government officials said the move falls under the Essential Commodities Act, legislation intended to deter trade practices like hoarding, and is therefore illegal.

Several Indian states have been struggling with a 10-day fuel shortage, particularly diesel. Several petrol stations reported running out of fuel.

State government officials requested relief from advance payments to the Indian Oil Corp. for fuel stocks. Indian Oil Corp. representatives said supplies were sufficient for market conditions.