Navigating Fuel Supply Amidst Nationwide Transport Strikes: Punjab’s Assurance and Preparedness.
In the midst of the current nationwide hit and run strike, causing apprehension regarding fuel supply in various areas, Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Secretary of Punjab’s Food and Civil Supplies, affirmed on Tuesday that the state possesses ample reserves of petrol and diesel.
He emphasized that there is no necessity for the public to engage in panic purchasing. Serving dual roles as Punjab’s Home Secretary, Singh extended this guarantee to citizens subsequent to a high-level gathering of senior state and district officials convened to oversee the distribution of fuel within the state.
Impact of strike in Chandigarh:
Meanwhile in Chandigarh, the local district magistrate has implemented temporary constraints on fuel sales at nearby stations.
Immediate measures dictate that two-wheelers are limited to acquiring only two liters, while four-wheelers can fill up to a maximum of five liters per transaction.
A surge in demand ensued at fuel stations throughout Chandigarh and Punjab, with most outlets depleting their reserves on the second day of the nationwide truck drivers’ strike. The drivers are protesting against the severe penalties for hit-and-run incidents mandated by the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to this legislation, drivers causing significant road accidents due to negligence and fleeing without notifying authorities may face punishments of up to 10 years or a fine of Rs 7 lakh.
Amidst this situation, disorder unfolded at various fuel stations in Chandigarh, accompanied by sporadic incidents of disputes reported at the police control room. Notably, fuel shortages were experienced at stations in Sectors 35, 27, 28, 4, and Sector 9, among others.
Fuel Supply Dynamics Amidst Protests and Shortages:
In the face of daily consumption reaching around 4,100 kilolitres of petrol, Punjab’s pumps currently boast a substantial stock of about 22,600 kilolitres, with assurances of regular replenishment, according to Kirpal Singh.
Likewise, diesel demand, standing at approximately 10,000 kilolitres daily, is met with filling stations holding a stock of over 30,000 kilolitres, in addition to 90,000 kilolitres available at various terminals connected to refineries through pipelines, ensuring a continuous flow of petroleum products.
However, amidst these reassurances, the Chandigarh Transport Association expressed solidarity with protesting truck drivers’ unions. The president, Jasbir Singh Gill, revealed a silent protest staged in Chandigarh Transport Area, Sector 26.
On the flip side, the fuel situation in specific areas is dire. A Sector 35 fuel station had to shut down due to depleted stock, with uncertainties about receiving a fresh supply.
Despite scheduled deliveries on December 30 and 31, truck drivers failed to appear, as mentioned by R A Batra, the station owner.
Another station in Sector 4 had to put up a signboard indicating fuel unavailability, leading to growing tensions as queues extended. Several calls to the police control room reported law and order issues, particularly near Fuel Station Sector 28 and Fuel Station Sector 10.
Fuel Stock Disparity: Clarifications and Commitments:
Addressing media reports highlighting severe fuel shortages in specific filling stations, the home secretary emphasized that fuel stock levels are not uniform across all stations at any given time.
While some stations may be at zero capacity, others might maintain a full stock. Therefore, the stock position of select stations should not be construed as representative of the overall state fuel reserves, he stressed.
In a high-level meeting, district officials received instructions to remain vigilant, ensuring the unhindered movement of petrol and diesel trucks throughout the state.
Additionally, they were tasked with conducting meetings with striking transporters to facilitate the resolution of their grievances. The police were also directed to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted movement and sale of diesel/petrol statewide.
Senior officers from the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), present in the meeting, assured the state government of their commitment to spare no effort in guaranteeing an ample supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG.
Impact on 3,750 Filling Stations due hit and run strike:
Manjeet Singh, the general secretary of the Punjab Petroleum Association, reported that the ongoing hit and run strike has taken a toll on all 3,800 filling stations in the state.
Truck drivers initiated the strike outside depot supply points starting from December 31, and the last fuel supply was received on December 30.
As a consequence, the fuel pumps have now depleted their reserves. While some stations initially had stock for 3-4 days, it is anticipated to be exhausted by tomorrow morning.
Post on Twitter by users:
Chandigarh के सेक्टर-10 और सेक्टर-4 के पेट्रोल पंप पर पेट्रोल खत्म हो चुका है। मैंने खुद चेक किया है। आप जल्दी-जल्दी बताओ कि अब तक चंडीगढ़ के कौन-कौन से पंप बंद हो चुके हैं। इससे लोग इधर-उधर भागने से बचेंगे और उनकी मदद हो जाएगी।#Chandigarh #चंडीगढ़ #Petrol #Diesel pic.twitter.com/A7RsE7iD8V
— Rishu Raj Singh (@rishuraj_chd) January 2, 2024
Original Credit: Man Aman Singh Chhina
People on petrol pump said on Fuel shortage:
Original Credit: Gagandeep Singh
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