Chennai, Aug 21 (UNI) Allaying fears over the short supply of diesel, Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary L K Tripathy today said oil companies have assured to provide uninterrupted supply to meet the increasing demand.

Talking to reporters after a review meeting with the representatives of three oil companies, IT and Textile industry at the State Secretariat here, he said the demand has increased by 30 to 35 per cent this year compared to last year.

''We discussed with the oil companies about the availability of diesel. The demand has increased by 30 to 35 per cent over last year'', he said.

Observing that the oil companies would usually supply last year's demand plus an additional 15 per cent, he said this year the demand has increased by 35 per cent.

Attributing the increase in demand due to round the clock functioning of IT companies and the power shortage, Mr Tripathy said the monsoon has set in a benign manner.

''Once the Hydel power project starts generating more power, the demand for diesel would come down'', he said and added the oil companies have assured the government that normal supply would not be affected in petrol bunks.

In response to a question, he said the State would write to the Centre in this regard to meet the increasing demand.

UNI GV AKM RL ND2005