Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (MS)

Kasargod, Jan 2: With Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses queuing up at Karnataka fuel pumps for diesel, Mangaluru pumps are experiencing increased crowding, and Kasargod depot is recording a daily profit of Rs 25,000 from this arrangement.

Kerala is facing a severe diesel shortage, and with tax hikes proposed in the budget, KSRTC has opted to refill diesel from Karnataka.

The practice began in February 2023, with 26 buses from the Kasargod depot initially refuelling at Karnataka pumps. Officials estimate that the daily requirement for operating Kasargod-Mangaluru bus services is 2,860 litres of diesel. They believe profits could double to Rs 50,000 per day if buses running to Kollur, Sullia, and Puttur were also refuelled in Karnataka. However, permission for this has yet to be granted.

KSRTC officials acknowledge that sourcing diesel from Karnataka significantly reduces the financial strain on the organization.