Truckers’ strike causes fuel shortage in distt
   Date :03-Jan-2024

Truckers 
 
 
 
 
 
Staff Reporter
 
The city and district grappled with escalating tension as the truck association and other transporters persisted in their nationwide strike, owing to the amendment to the new hit-and-run law passed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which led to road blockades and tire-burning protests. Two separate offences have been registered against 45 persons in connection with these disruptions. Police successfully thwarted an attempt to block National Highway No 6 at Tarsa in Mauda tehsil after dispersing the agitating mob on Tuesday.
 
Superintendent of Police (SP) Harssh Poddar stated that Rural Police quickly responded by providing armed police escorts for fuel tankers across district. “With 3 fuel depots catering to Nagpur City, Nagpur district, and Wardha district, the risk of potential targeting necessitates armed guards accompanying the tankers,” he claimed. Nagpur Rural Police have filed two offences against more than 45 persons for blocking roads during the strike. Groups associated with the truckers’ association blocked Nagpur-Umred road at Pachgaon, which led to a 45-minute traffic disruption.
 
Kuhi police arrested 16 persons on charges of arson related to this incident. Another case was registered in Kalmeshwar, where 9 persons blocked the highway during Monday’s protest. The traffic movement was blocked for almost one hour here. On Tuesday, attempts to block National Highway No 6 at Tarsa were thwarted by the striking force of Nagpur Rural Police. SP Poddar revealed formation of six special striking forces for a quick response.
 
 
Volatile situation at city fuel pumps
Fuel pumps in the city witnessed chaotic scenes with long queues and frequent altercations due to the absence of police. Reports of fights arising from queue-jumping incidents at various fuel pumps added to the turmoil. Roads surrounding petrol pumps experienced traffic jams which exacerbated the situation. Despite the volatile conditions, law enforcement agencies struggled to regain control. A senior police official assured collaboration with petroleum companies and relevant departments to ensure the uninterrupted daily supply of essential items. A WhatsApp group has been established between city police and fuel depot owners to facilitate communication and coordination during these challenging times, he said.
 
 
Ample stock in depots, no need to panic: Collector
District Collector Dr Vipin Itankar appealed citizens not to panic as there is sufficient stock of petrol and diesel and also that of LPG in city as well in the rural areas and avoid stocking-up on the fuel unnecessarily. Earlier on Tuesday, Collector held a meeting with fuel and LPG dealers to take stock of the situation arising out of indefinite strike of truckers throughout the country. As news spread about effects of strike, from the new year day itself citizens began queuing-up at pumps to fill-up their tanks with petrol and diesel. In this light, Collector said there is ample stock of fuel available at all depots of the oil companies. Further in case the fuel pump owners require police protection same would be provided to escort the oil tankers. Therefore citizens should not fall prey to rumours about non availability of fuel in the city and district area.