Bills pending; fuel stations refuse fuel for police vehicles

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala police are finding it hard to refill police vehicles due to the pending amount to be paid to fuel companies. The current situation was brought forth after the government refused to provide the required fund. The fuel distribution at the Peroorkada pump was halted due to this. The police were also instructed to borrow fuel from Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). 

The police department had sought extra funds for fuel. The government failed to acknowledge this request and that has led to the current plight. The police do not have enough money in hand to refill. The police owe almost Rs 2 crore to various oil companies at present. 

The police were allowed funds during the financial year 2021-2022. This was utilised completely and more money was sought from the government. However, the government informed that more funds cannot be allowed under the current circumstances. 

The district police chief has informed that their duty must not be obstructed over this and they must borrow fuel from KSRTC for 45 days.