Bhubaneswar: Long queues were seen outside several filling stations in Odisha on Thursday amid fear of a possible fuel shortage with the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha’s protest severely affecting the supply of petrol and diesel across the state.
Filling stations have not been able to replenish their stocks as the “quit steering” protest by commercial vehicle drivers, which has entered its third day, halted fuel transport from major depots in Paradip, Balasore, Jatni, and Jharsuguda. “Petrol pumps typically hold stock for three to four days, but the ongoing drivers’ strike has disrupted supply for 48 hours,” said general secretary of the Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association Sanjay Lath.
He further stated many filling stations may feel the crunch if fresh supplies don’t arrive by evening. “Many filling stations have already depleted their stocks. If the strike continues, the government might have to use police to secure fuel deliveries,” he added.
Over 3,000 petrol pumps rely on these depots, which dispatch around 3,600 kilolitres of petrol and 8,500 kilolitres of diesel daily. Though fuel was loaded at the four depots on Wednesday, the oil tankers were not allowed to proceed towards their delivery destinations by the Bharat Bandh protesters.
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.
The talks with the government have so far failed to yield any resolution with the association, led by its president Prashant Menduli, demanding a written assurance that their demands will be met.