Odisha is facing a looming fuel crisis as the ongoing strike by commercial drivers under the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha entered its third consecutive day on Thursday.
The indefinite “quit steering wheel” protest has severely impacted the supply of petrol and diesel, halting the movement of fuel tankers and goods carriers statewide.
Thousands of drivers have refused to operate, demanding a 7-point charter that includes pension, insurance, job regularisation, and social security benefits. Despite government attempts at negotiation, no resolution has been reached.
With tankers from the Paradip refinery — Odisha’s main fuel distribution point — stuck for over 48 hours, petrol pumps in many districts are already reporting dry stocks. Panic buying is on the rise, and several outlets have either shut down or are on the verge of doing so.
“We haven’t received any supply for two days. If this continues, we’ll have to close operations,” said a fuel dealer in Cuttack.
