Why Some NCR Petrol Pumps Are Turning Away Customers By Night | Explained

Last Updated:June 05, 2026, 11:06 IST

Petrol pumps in parts of Noida and Ghaziabad are running out of fuel by night, forcing purchase limits. Here's what's behind the disruption and whether there is a shortage

Over the past two weeks, motorists in parts of Delhi-NCR, particularly Noida and Ghaziabad, have reported difficulty finding fuel at petrol pumps late in the evening. While there is no official fuel shortage, some outlets have been limiting purchases and running out of stock before the end of the day.

Why Are Petrol Pumps Running Out Of Fuel?

According to a report by The Times of India, the issue is linked to a recent change in the fuel supply mechanism. Dealers who earlier received fuel supplies on credit are now reportedly required to make advance payments before a tanker is dispatched.

Industry sources cited by TOI said the change has increased the financial burden on dealers, making it harder for some petrol pumps to maintain large reserves of fuel.

The report also said concerns over global energy supply disruptions linked to US-Iran tensions in West Asia have contributed to tighter supply management.

Fuel Purchase Limits Introduced At Some Pumps

As supplies become more difficult to manage, several petrol pumps have reportedly imposed limits on how much fuel customers can buy.

According to TOI, some outlets are restricting petrol purchases to around 20 litres per vehicle and diesel purchases to 40 litres. Emergency vehicles such as ambulances are being prioritised for full refuelling at some locations.

Dealers Facing Higher Upfront Costs

Petrol pump operators say rising crude oil prices have increased the cost of procuring fuel tankers. Dealers now need to arrange larger amounts of working capital before receiving fresh supplies.

A manager at a fuel station in Ghaziabad told The Times of India that the higher procurement costs and advance-payment requirement have made inventory management more challenging, forcing pumps to be more cautious with stock levels.

Why Are Pumps Running Dry At Night?

According to Dharam Veer Chaudhary, General Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Petroleum Traders Association, fuel supplies have not been completely cut, but allocations to some dealers have reduced.

TOI quoted him as saying that several dealer-operated pumps in Noida and Ghaziabad are functioning with lower reserves than usual and often do not have backup tankers available. As a result, some outlets run out of fuel between 8pm and 9pm and receive fresh supplies only around midnight.

He added that even a few hours without stock can create difficulties for commuters and increase pressure on nearby fuel stations.

Is There A Fuel Shortage In Delhi-NCR?

Industry representatives maintain there is no overall fuel shortage. Instead, the problem appears to be one of supply management, inventory levels and delayed replenishment at certain retail outlets.

For consumers, however, the result has been longer searches for fuel and purchase restrictions at some petrol pumps, particularly during evening hours.

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