MUMBAI:
In Mumbai, there is a panic situation all around as fuel pump was flooded with vehicles to full up the tank as soon as possible as Truck Drivers have called for Strike and have said that they are protesting against stringent penalties prescribed against hit-and-run cases under the new criminal laws.
Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, those involved in such accidents can face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to ₹ 7 lakh, in case they do not inform the authorities of the accident. “Drivers consider the law one-sided and harsh. In case of an accident, if we stay, an angry mob could resort to damage the life and property. And, if we run, we would be subjected to harsh punishment,” a driver of an oil tanker said requesting anonymity
Oil tankers meant to carry fuels from depots of refiners in many places are stranded because their drivers refuse to ply on the road either in protest against the new law or fearing reprisal from the protestors, a Maharashtra-based pump dealer said requesting anonymity.
As a mark of solidarity, Jai Hind Vehicles Owners Association in Palghar too has been supporting the strike.
PUNE:
Ali Daruwala, the Pune-based national spokesperson for the All India Petrol Dealers’ Association (AIPDA), said that due to the nationwide strike, transport had come to a halt since Monday. It had also affected the transport of fuels from depots to fuel stations in the city.
There was some panic among Pune residents over the last two days owing to rumours of fuel shortage, with scores of citizens flocking to fuel stations for refills. Moderately long queues were seen at several petrol pumps over the last two days.
DELHI:
Another pump-owner on the Delhi-Meerut highway said many pumps in the area are dry because tankers are not plying. “There are two types of tankers. While big dealers have their own tankers, majority depend on transporters engaged by companies, and guided by the Industry Transport Discipline Guidelines (ITDG). The maximum punishment under ITDG could be suspension for a week, which is still better than taking risk and driving on the road,” he said.
Many motorist who went to refuel was unaware about the mad rush, then afterwards they came to know about the situation, some others who anticipated the rush avoided to visit.
A Delhi-based dealer, who has three pumps in NCR said anticipating the situation he stocked enough fuel and expect oil marketing companies to find some ways to continue supplies
HYDERABAD:
Even as people poured into petrol bunks, some ran out of stock and had to display boards stating that they had exhausted their supply of fuel. Long queues were seen along the 100 Feet Road near Madhapur, and at petrol bunks in Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills. Similar scenes were witnessed in other parts of the city such as Falaknuma in the Old City as well as areas in Mallepally, Murad Nagar and Mehdipatnam.
Police steps in
Though petrol bunks displayed boards stating there is no fuel, motorists continued to wait. As the queue started to grow, police blocked the road leading to a petrol bunk on Road Number. 12, Banjara Hills with barricades and diverted traffic. Bumper-to-bumper traffic for long distances was witnessed wherever there are petrol bunks. Police had to step in to regulate the queue at an Indian Oil fuel station at Langar Houz.
People are advised not to panic as both state and central government have become active and have taken required steps to control the situation.
Govt should look into this.