MSRTC's Diesel Procurement Tender Faces Legal Challenge from IOCL Amid Cost-Cutting Efforts

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), facing losses of around ₹12,000 crore, has initiated a competitive bidding process to procure diesel for its fleet of over 16,700 buses, aiming to reduce fuel costs amid rising consumption. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the long-time diesel supplier, has challenged MSRTC's five-year tender in the Bombay High Court, citing ambiguous terms and pending payments. The court has issued notices to both parties, with hearings ongoing.