Pune: Hospitals Face Diesel Supply Crisis as New PESO Norms Leave Generators Running Dry, ICUs and OTs at Risk
Pune, 10th June 2026: Several hospitals in Pune are facing difficulties procuring diesel for their backup generators after new fuel dispensing norms mandated that diesel be supplied only in containers certified by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
Hospital operators said fuel stations have stopped dispensing diesel in ordinary cans over the past six days, disrupting fuel supplies to healthcare facilities. Medical associations have written to Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi, seeking immediate intervention and relaxation of the rules for hospitals.
The shortage has raised concerns over the functioning of critical services such as ICUs, operation theatres, ventilators and dialysis units, which depend on uninterrupted power supply through diesel generators during outages.
The issue has been compounded by recent weather-related power disruptions across parts of Pune district, increasing hospitals’ reliance on generator backup systems.
According to industry representatives, the implementation of the new rules has created confusion as certified containers are not readily available in the market. Pune District Petrol Dealers Association has also urged the administration to allow temporary supply in regular containers until certified cans become easily accessible.
Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi said the administration has received representations from hospitals and would explore a solution to ensure essential healthcare services are not affected.
