Essential commodities supply – including fuel – has taken a hit in Odisha as a transport strike amidst a strike between the union of about 4 lakh drivers by the Odisha drivers.
Drivers of private buses, trucks, taxis and commercial vehicles have joined the strike since Tuesday on various demands, which includes the formation of welfare funds of the drivers, pension benefits after 60 years, legal safety from public enmity and parking lots with basic facilities every 100 km and the rest of the rooms.
The strike has severely crippled transportation, causing hundreds of people in various bus stands. Long queues have also arisen at fuel stations for fear of fuel deficiency.
State Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena discussed with the union of the drivers and assured that the government would consider their demands and appeal to withdraw the strike for a big public interest.
Prashant Menduli, president of the Drivers Association, said that he demands a written assurance. “Drivers continue to protest in Odisha. We have informed the state government with a written assurance to fulfill our demands or the Chief Minister should make an announcement in this regard,” Menduli told the Indian Express.
Transport of essential commodities within the state has been affected, the state government established a task force with officials of various departments to ensure its supply as well as fuel. According to sources, the strike has also affected mineral supply from most mines in the state.
“The task force has been assigned to ensure round-the-clock monitoring, quick resolution of logistic challenges and the smooth movement of petroleum and other important items. It has been directed to provide full support to district administrators and police units across the state, including security escorts and logistic facilities for fuel tankers and cargo carors, where it is necessary, where any transportation department is necessary,” a transport department. Said.
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Meanwhile, General Secretary of the YouTal Petroleum Dealers Association, Sanjay Lath said that petroleum products may not be a crisis as more than 100 tankers are being taken to different parts of the state. Odisha requires about 600 tanker fuel to meet the demand.
“There may be a shortage of petroleum products for a few hours as the transport of fuel has partially resumed. But we appeal to people that they do not go to buy terror, which could lead to artificial shortage,” Lath said.
Odisha Supply Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said on Thursday that the state government will soon end the crisis to consider the demands. He also took action against those who tried to get essential commodities and engage in black marketing.
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