Petrol stations in Odisha to remain open during Bharat Bandh on March 28, 29

Bhubaneswar: Amid apprehension of closure of petrol stations during the two-day Bharat Bandh observance by trade unions on March 28 and 29, the Utkal Petroleum Association today clarified that the petrol stations will remain open during the strike.

“We are not part of the trade union. We are not participating in the bandh. Petrol stations in Odisha were temporarily closed today as the protestors were picketing. By 2 pm, the picketing will be over and the petrol stations will reopen,” said Sanjay Lath, Secretary, Utkal Petroleum Association.

The first day of the two-day Bharat Bandh observance by trade unions witnessed vehicular movement being affected across Odisha.

Holding banners and placards, members of the trade unions staged road blockade at various junctions.

Hundreds of vehicles, including trucks, remained stranded on both sides of National Highway near Jayadev Vihar in Bhubaneswar as the agitators blocked road.

Scenes were similar at several places in other parts of the state as the agitators resorted to picketing and sloganeering.

The protestors also staged rail roko at the Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Cuttack Railway Station and Berhampur Railway Station, affecting movement of trains.

On the other hand, a youth sustained critical injuries in a firing at a petrol station near Jharpada overbridge in Odisha capital, last night. The victim, identified as Biswajit Behera, a resident of Nayapalli in the city, was admitted to the Capital Hospital here for treatment.

Petrol stations in Bhubaneswar witnessed severe rush and lengthy queues last night with people filling up fuel tanks of their vehicles, hours before the two-day Bharat Bandh observance. The situation was same at the petrol station near Jharpada overbridge.

Also read: Bhubaneswar: Firing During Rush For Filling Petrol Leaves Youth Injured.