Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Apr 27: The decision of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) to go for partial shutdown due to water scarcity in the district looks like a prudent decision from outside. But some analysts predict that if MRPL keeps these units shut for a longer time, fuel shortage may arise in the state.
The MRPL informed the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on Tuesday that because of restrictions imposed by the district administration of Dakshina Kannada on the pumping of water from river Nethravati for industrial use, it has taken a decision to go for partial shutdown of certain units.
Some units will function on reduced capacity without disrupting the fuel production and supplies, the letter says.
MRPL draws about six million gallons of water per day from River Nethravati.
Sources at MRPL said that if the situation does not improve, MRPL will have to go for shutdown of other units which will lead to fuel shortage in the state.
According to an estimate, MRPL produces 5 lac tonnes of diesel, 1 lac tonne of petrol and 75,000 tonnes of LPG every month. Major parts of the state are dependent on MRPL for fuel and LPG requirements.
MRPL had shut down its operations when similar situation had arisen in April 2012.
There is no other solution for the problem than the rain pouring in and around Mangaluru.