A transformer on the roadside in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 7: Theft of oil from transformers has become a major concern for authorities of the Central Electricity Supply Utility (Cesu) here.

The thefts have prompted not only disruption of power distribution in the city, but also burning out of the transformers.

A Cesu official said that around 24 cases of oil theft had come to their notice last month. The most recent case was reported near the CBI office, where goons stole oil last night resulting in burning out of the transformer this morning. “Last month, seven such cases were reported from my division. Though we have reported the matter to the police station, the goons are yet to the nabbed. We suspect that a particular gang is committing the crime,” said U.B. Khadanga, officer in charge of Bhubaneswar city distribution division-I of Cesu. The power body has three electrical divisions in the city.

Last month, such cases of theft were reported from various areas in the city, including Khandagiri, Delta Square and Rasulgarh. A Cesu official said the goons were mainly targeting 500KV transformers as these contained around 400 to 450 litres of oil. Besides, 250KV and 100KV transformers contain 300 to 350 litres and 200 to 250 litres of oil, respectively. Transformer oil is a mineral oil used to cool and insulate the fins of an electric transformer.

The oil is characterised by its resistance to high temperature and vitiation due to overuse. In the absence of this oil, the transformer gets burnt out. The goons mix the oil with diesel and sell it as fuel. The oil is also used as fuel for industrial furnaces and as a cooling agent in welding sets. The Cesu officials suspect that the goons are selling the oil to small industrial units.

“While we procure the oil for around Rs 72 per litre, the value of the oil is around Rs 100 per litre in the open market. So, the goons are stealing the oil to make profits. We also suspect that the oil is being used in incense stick units as well,” said a Cesu official.

A police official said they were investigating the case.