Tue May 27 16:23:57 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Petroleum tanker lorry owners in Chennai and Asanur are protesting the new transport tender period by refusing to lift aviation turbine fuel (ATF) for Chennai airport and stopping petrol and diesel supplies to BPCL retail outlets. They are demanding an extension to the tender period, claiming the offered rate of ₹2.09/km/KL is significantly lower than the national average of ₹2.80/km/KL. BPCL claims the rate is competitive and that a few owners are disrupting the process. They anticipate numerous applications for the tender and guarantee uninterrupted ATF supply to the airport via IOC pipeline.

**News Article:**

**Chennai Fuel Supply Threatened as Tanker Lorry Owners Protest Tender Rates**

CHENNAI, INDIA – May 27, 2025 – Fuel supply disruptions are looming in Chennai as members of the Chennai and Asanur Petroleum Tanker Lorry Owners Welfare Association escalated their protest against new transport tender rates offered by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL). The tanker owners have refused to lift aviation turbine fuel (ATF) from BPCL’s Tondiarpet terminal, potentially impacting airlines at Chennai airport.

The protest has already extended to petrol and diesel, with tankers halting supplies to BPCL retail outlets for two days. Approximately 450 tanker lorries associated with BPCL’s Karur terminal are also expected to join the strike, potentially affecting fuel supplies in ten districts.

The core issue is the rate offered in the new tender, which the tanker owners claim is inadequate at ₹2.09/kilometre/kilo litre compared to the national average of ₹2.80/kilometre/kilo litre. They are demanding an extension of the existing tender period.

BPCL, however, maintains that the rate is competitive and that the protest is being driven by a small group of owners attempting to hinder other operators from participating in the fresh tender. A BPCL source, speaking anonymously, assured that contingency plans are in place to avoid fuel shortages at Chennai airport. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOC) will ensure continuous ATF supply via its pipeline.

The source also indicated strong interest in the new tender, with numerous vehicle conversions and driver recruitment underway. BPCL anticipates receiving at least 800 applications.

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