Truck drivers protesting against the Central Government have now initiated a sit-in protest at oil depots across Punjab. It is reported that various driver associations have commenced demonstrations at oil depots across Punjab in opposition to the new laws formulated against bus and truck drivers. This has started affecting the supply of fuel at petrol pumps throughout the state. Allegedly, in Ludhiana, 40% of petrol pumps have run dry, and by Tuesday, it is expected that all pumps could be out of petrol and diesel.
Due to the lack of fuel supply from oil depots, traffic congestion could arise across Punjab.
According to information, the Central Government has passed a law during road accidents caused by buses and trucks nationwide, imposing a 10-year sentence and a fine of up to 7 lakhs on the accused driver. In protest against this, driver fraternity in Punjab has initiated sit-ins in front of oil refineries in Sangrur, Jalandhar, Bathinda, among others.
Now, with fuel depots restricting the entry and exit of petrol and diesel vehicles, the impact is becoming visible on petrol pumps across the state. It is believed that various driver associations across Punjab have begun an indefinite sit-in, demanding a review of the law enacted by the Central Government.
What do association members say?
Indrajit Singh Lakki, a truck driver and member of the driver association, mentioned that the leaders of the association have issued directives to halt their vehicles wherever they are. He expressed that the law passed by the Central Government is highly distressing for poor driver transporters. He stated that no driver intentionally causes accidents. If someone loses their life due to technical flaws or errors, it deeply affects the driver as well. However, this doesn’t justify imposing a severe penalty of a 10-year sentence and a hefty fine of 7 lakhs on the driver, effectively ruining the driver’s family while they are alive. He urged the government to reconsider this decision; otherwise, the driver’s agitation would continue indefinitely.
What does the Petroleum Dealers Association chairman say?
Ashok Kumar Sachdeva, chairman of the Ludhiana Petroleum Dealers Association, revealed that the sit-ins organized by various driver associations at oil depots have impacted the supply of oil to over 300 petrol pumps in the district.
Sachdeva highlighted that 40% of petrol pumps had dried up by Monday evening, and there are possibilities that by Tuesday, 100% of pumps could run out of petrol and diesel. In response to a question, Ashok Sachdeva clarified that this issue is not related to any petrol pump dealer. He explained that if oil companies don’t supply oil to petrol pumps, dealers are completely restricted from selling fuel.
