Police Escort Fuel Tankers As Drivers’ Stir Sparks Fuel Crisis In Odisha



Bhubaneswar: With the indefinite ‘Quit Steering Wheel’ protest by commercial drivers entering its third day, Odisha faces an escalating fuel crisis, prompting police to intervene.

Fuel tankers in several parts of the state are now being escorted by police to ensure uninterrupted supply of petrol and diesel. Visuals from Soro in Balasore district showed police accompanying tankers along National Highway-16 near Chaparpada after incidents where agitators allegedly tried to block tankers and persuade drivers to join the strike. In some cases, protesters reportedly resorted to heated arguments, emotional appeals, and mild scuffles to stop unwilling tanker drivers.

To prevent further disruption, police escort teams have been deployed in sensitive areas, while petrol pumps across districts are witnessing long queues as fears of a looming shortage spread. The state government, sensing growing public anxiety, formed a taskforce on Wednesday night to ensure smooth transportation of fuel and essential goods.

Chaired by commerce and transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, the taskforce includes officials from the commerce and transport department, police, district administrations, and oil marketing companies. It has been tasked with 24×7 monitoring, addressing logistical bottlenecks, and ensuring fuel tankers move safely across the state.

Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association president Sanjay Lath cautioned that most petrol stations could run dry by evening if the supply chain isn’t restored promptly.

Despite concerns, minister Jena assured that the situation remains under control. “Oil marketing companies have confirmed sufficient stock at depots and retail outlets. Daily replenishments are ongoing without interruption,” he said.

Meanwhile, commercial drivers, including bus operators, continued their strike, pressing for a 7-point charter of demands covering pension, insurance, and regularisation of services. Two rounds of talks with the government have remained inconclusive.

As the deadlock persists, people lined up early at petrol pumps, worried about a worsening fuel shortage across the state.



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