Bhubaneswar: Amid apprehensions that filling stations may start running dry due to the ongoing stir by commercial vehicle drivers, Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Thursday asserted that oil tankers have started arriving to replenish stocks.
“There is no shortage of petrol and diesel. The situation has improved. The government is reviewing the drivers’ demands and will address them. Oil tankers have started arriving. A total of 150 oil tankers have arrived in Bhubaneswar, while 76 tankers have reached Cuttack. The state has ample fuel reserves, and supplies will be maintained across all cities,” he said.
Strict action will be taken against those involved in the black marketing of fuel, he added.
General secretary of the Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association Sanjay Lath said that about 100 oil tankers left the depots in Paradip, Balasore, Jatni, and Jharsuguda last night and another 150 loaded this morning are on their way to the delivery points. “Petrol pumps typically hold stock for three to four days, but the ongoing drivers’ strike disrupted supply for 48 hours, leading to fears of fuel shortage. Two-three of 42 filling stations in Bhubaneswar have gone dry but the tankers are expected to replenish stocks by evening,” he said.
Lath urged people to avoid panic buying of fuel and also the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha to allow drivers of oil tankers to resume duty.
Also Read: Long Queues At Filling Stations In Odisha As Drivers’ Stir Halts Supply, Triggers Fuel Shortage Fear
On Wednesday, the government initiated coordinated measures to ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential commodities across the state, with a special focus on maintaining a steady and reliable supply of petroleum products. A high-level review meeting, chaired by Commerce & Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, assessed the ground situation and developed a coordinated response to avoid any disruption to the state’s supply chain network.
Following the review, a dedicated task force comprising officials from the Commerce & Transport Department, police authorities, district administrations, and OMCs, was constituted for round-the-clock monitoring, prompt resolution of logistical challenges, and ensuring smooth movement of petroleum and other critical goods. District administrations and police units across the state were also instructed to provide full support, including security escorts and logistical facilitation, for fuel tankers and cargo carriers wherever required.
“Oil Marketing Companies have confirmed that sufficient stock is available at depots and retail outlets throughout the state. Daily replenishment operations are being carried out without interruption, and delivery of petroleum products is proceeding smoothly at all key locations,” the minister said, asserting that there is no shortage of fuel in Odisha.
He further stated that the state’s daily requirement of approximately 600 tankers is being met, ensuring continued availability of fuel. “Citizens are earnestly requested to remain calm, refrain from panic buying, and avoid circulating unverified information on social media,” he said.
He also reiterated the government’s openness to dialogue with the representatives of the drivers’ association and appealed to them to withdraw the strike in the larger interest of the public and the economy of the state.
The drivers are agitating over a seven-point charter of demands, which include pension benefits for drivers above 60 years, Rs 20 lakh insurance coverage, 70% job reservation for local drivers in factories and mines, and the inclusion of auto-rickshaw drivers in the welfare board. They are also opposing the state’s recent move to empower police with vehicle-checking authority.