Petrol Dealers in Pune Mourn Ajit Pawar’s Death, To Switch Off Lights at 875 Pumps as Tribute
Pune, 28th January 2026: The Petrol Dealers Association (PDA), Pune, along with its 875 member dealers, has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, remembering him as a visionary leader and a strong supporter of the petroleum retail sector.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the association said Pawar consistently stood by petrol pump owners on operational and regulatory issues, offering timely interventions that brought clarity and relief to the trade across the district. His role in resolving long-pending concerns and supporting dealers during critical periods, including the Covid-19 pandemic, was widely acknowledged.
Dhruv Ruparel, President of the Petrol Dealers Association, Pune, said Ajit Pawar was not only a towering political figure but also a dependable pillar for the petroleum trade.
“Ajitdada’s support during the Covid pandemic can never be forgotten. He understood ground-level challenges and resolved issues with urgency, often with a single phone call. His passing is an irreplaceable loss for our community,” Ruparel said.
As a mark of respect, the association and its managing committee have decided that all 875 petrol pumps in Pune district will switch off their lights for 15 minutes on January 29, from 7:00 pm to 7:15 pm.
The PDA said the symbolic gesture is a tribute to a leader who stood for public welfare, administrative transparency and responsive governance.
