Drivers’ strike in Odisha: Petrol, diesel stock dry up; vegetable prices skyrocket

Bhubaneswar: The ongoing strike by drivers of commercial vehicles in Odisha has gradually started to pose fuel availability crisis-like situation with the petrol and diesel carrying vehicles being stopped by the agitators on road.

Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association General Secretary Sanjay Lath said fuel is sent to over 1600 stations in the state from depots in Paradip, Balasore, Jharsuguda and Jatani using around 2000 tanker trucks. As these vehicles have been intercepted by the agitators, fuel stations are unable to refill their stocks.

If people start to panic buy petrol and diesel, the fuel stock in the state may come to an end by tomorrow afternoon, he said.

On the other hand, supply of vegetables and essential items have been affected as vehicles carrying those are stuck on road due to the strike. Moreover, consumables in the vehicles have started to perish.

Subsequently, prices of several vegetables have almost doubled in the market as people were seen making beeline at grocery and vegetable shops.

Meanwhile, Odisha Assembly Speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha today directed Transport Minister Tukuni Sahu to hold discussion with the agitating drivers and present a statement in the House tomorrow.

Notably, the drivers have launched strike across Odisha for an indefinite period demanding fulfillment of their 10-point charter of demands.

The agitating drivers staged demonstration at various places in the state and resorted to picketing. The agitators were seen stopping commercial vehicles on National Highways.

Formation of a welfare fund, death benefits, social security including pension after 60 years of age are among the demands of the drivers.

However, All Odisha Bus Owners’ Association, Truck Owners’ Association and Auto-rickshaw Owners’ Association have not joined the agitation.

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