Truckers’ strike ends, fuel supply resumes amidst shortages and queues

The truck drivers’ strike in Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh, protesting against the newly implemented hit-and-run law, has come to a close. Consequently, petrol and diesel tankers have resumed their deliveries to petrol pumps. Additionally, the supply of vegetables, fruits, and gas has recommenced.

I shvinder Mongia, senior member of Punjab Petroleum Dealers Association and head of District Mohali, has said that the supply is gradually improving. He remains hopeful that the situation will return to normalcy by this evening. As is customary, individuals are visiting the pumps to purchase petrol and diesel.

Following the truck drivers’ strike, Chandigarh experienced the most severe repercussions. Extensive queues of both four and two-wheelers snaked outside the city’s petrol pumps. Witnessing the escalating situation, the UT administration, in the evening, announced the provision of diesel and petrol under certain conditions. The administration stipulated a maximum allotment of Rs 200 worth of fuel for a two-wheeler and Rs 500 for a four-wheeler.

Among the 4,100 pumps in Punjab, 30% had depleted their stocks. In Amritsar, some individuals were observed self-filling oil due to shortages. The previous evening, the Punjab government had asserted the commencement of petrol and diesel supply from two cities. Specifically, oil distribution began from the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) depots in Bathinda and the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in Laldu, Mohali.

The supply in 3,800 petrol pumps of Haryana was reduced to half. Before the strike, 2 crore 96 lakh liters of diesel and petrol were supplied at these pumps, but due to the strike this supply was reduced to 1 crore 48 lakh litres. Private truck drivers were not filling oil from the refinery located in Panipat and the plant located in Bahadurgarh. In Himachal Pradesh also 80% of petrol pumps had become dry. Due to shortage of oil, the supply of gas was also affected. 168 buses of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) stopped. More than 150 private buses were also affected, but now the supply of gas-ration has started.