Shimla DC Seeks Diesel Supply Relief for Farmers, Orchardists and Essential Services
2 min read
Shimla, June 16: Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap has urged the state government to take up with the Government of India the issue of granting special exemptions in diesel supply for farmers, orchardists, mobile tower operators and other essential service providers facing potential difficulties under newly introduced fuel regulations.
The matter was discussed in a meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, following which a detailed communication was sent to the Additional Chief Secretary (Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs), Himachal Pradesh, requesting intervention at the central level.
According to the letter, restrictions imposed under the Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026, could create practical challenges for agriculture, horticulture, infrastructure development and other essential sectors.
Kashyap pointed out that Shimla is predominantly a horticulture-based district, with a large section of its economy dependent on agriculture and apple cultivation. During the peak farming and horticulture season, growers extensively use diesel-powered equipment such as power tillers, mini tractors, spray pumps and generators. In many remote and inaccessible areas, transporting these machines to fuel stations is not feasible.
He noted that mobile communication towers, road construction projects and other critical infrastructure activities could also face operational difficulties due to restrictions on diesel transportation.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that any disruption in fuel availability could adversely affect crop management, spraying operations, farming activities and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and orchardists.
Citing Himachal Pradesh’s unique geographical conditions and horticulture-driven economy, Kashyap requested that genuine farmers and orchardists be allowed to procure diesel in containers for agricultural equipment through a regulated verification mechanism and appropriate safety protocols.
He urged the state government to raise the matter with the Centre at the earliest to safeguard the interests of farmers, orchardists, communication services and other vital developmental and infrastructure-related activities.
