Bhubaneswar: Amid the fear of fuel scarcity among the people of Odisha due to the strike by commercial vehicle drivers, Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra today assured that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel in the state.

"There is no shortage of petrol and diesel. The situation has improved. The government is considering the demands of the drivers, and their demands will be fulfilled. Oil tankers have started arriving. A total of 150 oil tankers have arrived in Bhubaneswar, while 76 tankers have reached Cuttack. The state has sufficient stock of fuel, and supplies will be ensured to all cities," the minister said.

Strict action has been ordered against those involved in the black marketing of fuel, he added.

The ongoing strike by commercial vehicle drivers has entered its third consecutive day, affecting the supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG to various parts of the state. Long queues were seen outside several fuel stations in cities and towns, with many outlets running dry.

The 'quit steering' protest launched by the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha has disrupted fuel transportation from key depots in Paradip, Balasore, Jatni, and Jharsuguda. As a result, filling stations are unable to replenish their stocks.

Among the key demands of the agitating drivers are pension benefits for drivers above 60 years, ₹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 and have urged the government to declare September 1 as National Drivers’ Day.