Diesel curbs threaten telecom services; DoT seeks urgent state support

The Department of Telecommunications has directed regional units to coordinate with states to ensure uninterrupted diesel supply for mobile towers, as fuel restrictions linked to the Iran conflict threaten network operations across multiple regions.

The Department of Telecommunications has asked its regional offices to work closely with state governments to maintain steady diesel supplies for telecom infrastructure, amid concerns over disruptions caused by fuel shortages. The issue has emerged following restrictions on diesel sales in containers, introduced to prevent hoarding but now affecting essential services.

In an internal directive, the department noted that telecom tower operations in several states—including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh—have been impacted due to limited fuel access. Mobile towers, especially in areas with unreliable electricity, depend heavily on diesel-powered generators to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. Field teams have reported difficulties in securing fuel under the current restrictions, raising concerns about service continuity.

Industry raises supply concerns

The government’s intervention follows representations from the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association, which flagged the broader implications of the supply constraints. According to the industry body, diesel shortages have been reported across multiple regions, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam and parts of the Northeast, potentially affecting telecom operations at scale.

In addition to fuel availability, the association highlighted challenges in the supply chain for telecom infrastructure. Restrictions on LPG usage for industrial purposes have disrupted manufacturing processes such as galvanisation, which is essential for tower production. As a result, several manufacturing units are operating at reduced capacity, increasing the risk of delays in network expansion, particularly in underserved regions.

Risk to network continuity

Industry stakeholders have warned that prolonged fuel shortages could impact network uptime and essential digital services. Telecom towers rely on diesel generators during power outages, and any disruption in fuel supply may affect mobile connectivity, including next-generation services and emergency communication systems.

In a recent communication to authorities, the industry urged prioritised electricity supply for telecom sites and sought essential services status for operators and infrastructure providers. This, it argued, would help ensure quicker restoration of services during outages and reduce dependency on diesel.

The DoT has called for immediate coordination between its field units and state authorities to address the issue and secure necessary exemptions. Some states, such as Gujarat, have already taken steps to ease restrictions for telecom operations. The department emphasised that proactive measures will be crucial to prevent disruptions and maintain seamless connectivity as demand for digital services continues to grow.