MANOJ KUMAR JENA, OP
Bhubaneswar: The ongoing protest by the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha, which began Tuesday, has severely disrupted goods transportation, especially the supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG. Sanjay Lath, general secretary of the Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association, warned that many fuel stations may face shortages by Thursday if the situation continues. Lath said, “Petrol pumps typically hold stock for three to four days, but the ongoing drivers’ strike and Bharat Bandh have disrupted supply for 48 hours. This will likely lead to fuel shortages and trigger panic buying among the public.” Lath further added, “If fresh supplies don’t arrive by Thursday evening, some petrol pumps may run dry.
To prevent this, the government should hold proper discussions with the protesting drivers and urge them to allow the uninterrupted supply of petrol and LPG during the agitation.” It is important to note that the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha has launched a statewide protest demanding the fulfilment of a seven-point charter. Their demands include the inclusion of auto drivers in the Drivers’ Welfare Board, pension benefits for drivers over 60 years of age, and the provision of restrooms and toilet facilities at regular intervals of every 100 km. The group has also firmly demanded that police be barred from verifying drivers’ documents during the protest. The strike entered its second day as talks with the government failed to yield any resolution.
