On day three of Odisha drivers’ strike, supply of essential commodities and fuel hit
The supply of essential goods — including fuel – has taken a hit across Odisha as a transportation strike amid an ongoing strike by the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha, an association of around 4 lakh drivers.
The drivers of private buses, trucks, taxis and commercial vehicles have joined a strike since Tuesday over various demands including formation of a drivers’ welfare fund, pension benefit after 60 years, legal protection from public hostility and designated parking lots and rest rooms with basic facilities in every 100 km.
The strike has severely crippled transportation, leaving hundreds of people stranded at various bus stands. Fear of fuel shortage has also led to long queues at fuel stations.
State’s transport minister Bibhuti Jena held discussions with the drivers’ association and assured that the government will consider their demands and appealed to withdraw the strike for larger public interest.
Drivers’ association president Prashant Menduli said they demand a written assurance. “The drivers continue to protest across Odisha. We have informed the state government to come up with a written assurance to fulfil our demands or the chief minister should make an announcement in this regard,” Menduli told The Indian Express.
Transportation of essential commodities within the state has been affected, with the state government setting up a task force with officials from various departments to ensure its supply as well as that of fuel. According to sources, the strike has also affected mineral supply from most of the state’s mines.
“The task force has been entrusted with round-the-clock monitoring, prompt resolution of logistical challenges and ensuring the smooth movement of petroleum and other critical goods. District administrations and police units across the state have been instructed to provide full support, including security escorts and logistical facilitation for fuel tankers and cargo carriers wherever required,” said a transport department official.
Story continues below this ad
Meanwhile, general secretary of Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association Sanjay Lath said there may not be a crisis of petroleum products as over 100 tankers are being transported to various parts of the state. Odisha requires approximately 600 tankers of fuel to meet the demand.
“There could be a shortage of petroleum products for a few hours as transportation of fuel has resumed partially. But we appeal to people not to go for panic buying which may lead to artificial shortages,” Lath said.
Odisha’s supply minister Krushna Chandra Patra Thursday said there would be an end to the crisis soon as the state government is considering the demands. He also warmed action against those trying to hoard essential commodities and engage in black marketing.