Bhubaneswar, March 27: A potential fuel crisis is looming in the city as both private and public sector banks are set to remain closed for three consecutive days, raising concerns over disruption in petrol and diesel supply.

Banks will remain shut on Friday on account of Sri Ram Navami, followed by closure on the last Saturday of the month (March 28) and the weekly Sunday holiday. The three-day shutdown is expected to impact financial transactions, particularly those linked to fuel supply.

According to a petrol pump dealer, who wished to remain anonymous, oil companies had earlier been supplying fuel to dealers based on a credit limit determined by their sales. However, a sudden change in policy implemented last Saturday evening has altered the system.

“Now, tankers are being dispatched only after full payment is made. This is creating difficulties for dealers, as arranging complete advance payment immediately is not always feasible,” the dealer said.

With banks closed, dealers are unable to deposit payments, which could delay tanker dispatches. As a result, existing fuel stocks at petrol pumps may get exhausted within the next one to two days.

If the situation persists, there is a strong possibility that petrol and diesel may not be available at several pumps by Sunday, triggering concern among consumers.

The sudden change in payment policy by oil companies has been cited as the primary reason behind the emerging crisis.