Bhubaneswar: The protest initiated by the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha on Tuesday has significantly impacted the transportation of goods, particularly affecting the distribution of petrol, diesel, and LPG. Sanjay Lath, the general secretary of the Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association, has issued a warning that fuel stations could experience shortages by Thursday if the current situation persists. He stated, “Typically, petrol pumps maintain a stock for three to four days, but the ongoing drivers’ strike and Bharat Bandh have interrupted supply for 48 hours. This disruption is likely to lead to fuel shortages and provoke panic buying among consumers.” Lath further emphasized, “If new supplies do not arrive by Thursday evening, some petrol stations may run out of fuel.”

To avert this crisis, it is crucial for the government to engage in meaningful discussions with the protesting drivers and encourage them to permit the uninterrupted supply of petrol and LPG during the strike.” The Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha is conducting a statewide protest, advocating for a seven-point charter that includes demands for the inclusion of auto drivers in the Drivers’ Welfare Board, pension benefits for drivers aged over 60, and the establishment of restroom facilities at regular intervals of every 100 km. Additionally, they have firmly requested that police refrain from checking drivers’ documents during the protest. As the strike enters its second day, negotiations with the government have yet to produce a resolution.