Impending Fuel Supply Disruption: Maharashtra Authorities on High Alert as Oil Truck Drivers Declare Strike

Mubarak Ansari

Mumbai, 1st January 2024: The Maharashtra State government has issued a critical alert to all District Collectors, Commissioners of Police, and District Superintendents of Police in response to an imminent strike declared by truck drivers and transporters associated with major oil corporations, including Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).

The urgency stems from a letter received today from the State Level Oil Coordinator (oil industry) Maharashtra, expressing concerns about potential disruptions in the public distribution system, posing inconveniences for the citizens of Maharashtra.

Government Directives:

In response to this potential threat, the concerned authorities have been directed to prevent any untoward incidents by the drivers and transporters involved in the oil industry. The primary focus is on maintaining law and order while ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities such as petrol, diesel, LPG, and other petroleum products across the state. This directive comes from the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department of the Maharashtra government.

Invoke Essential Commodities Act, 1955:

Given the critical nature of these commodities, recognized under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, the communication stresses the immediate need to guarantee the smooth transportation and supply of essential goods. Authorities are instructed to invoke the relevant sections of the Act to prevent any disruptions.

Monitoring and Reporting:

Authorities are further instructed to promptly inform the government about the actions taken to mitigate the potential crisis. T.M. Kolekar, the Joint Secretary to the Government, has issued this directive to all relevant parties, including the State Level Coordinator for the Oil Industry and District Supply Officers.

The State remains on high alert as it endeavors to navigate through this challenging situation and avert any disruption in the vital supply chain of petroleum products.

Earlier in the day, the State Level Coordinator for the Oil Industry, Santosh Nivendkar requested urgent intervention to resolve the ongoing strike by LPG and other petroleum product transporters at all supply locations in Maharashtra.

According to the Coordinator, the recent amendment in the HIT AND RUN law has led to a strike by LPG truck drivers and other petroleum product transporters at key locations, including the Mumbai refinery, LPG bottling plants, and petrol and diesel supply depots.

The letter highlights the essential nature of petroleum products under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the activity as an ‘essential service’ under the Essential Services Maintenance Act 1981 (ESMA). The ongoing strike has hampered operations, affecting the dispatch of LPG cylinders and causing disruptions in the supply of other petroleum products.

The oil companies, facing challenges in maintaining uninterrupted supply, have requested urgent intervention from relevant authorities, including action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The companies sought cooperation from district authorities to ensure the smooth running of LPG plants and petroleum depots during the strike period.

“The government is urged to play a pivotal role in resolving the dispute, with the hope that intervention can bridge the gap between the transporters and relevant authorities, leading to a swift resolution of the ongoing strike. Field officers will also approach District Collectors, Civil supplies, and Police officials seeking their support in maintaining essential petroleum product supplies during this period of unrest”, the letter stated.

Strike Will Not Affect:

“This is to clarify that all petrol pumps will remain open. The ongoing transporters’ strike across India will not affect the supply of petrol and diesel in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. The district administration has ensured police protection for petroleum tankers at the Loni depot, facilitating the refilling of petroleum products. All petrol pumps in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad will continue to operate as usual”, informed

Ali Daruwala, Spokesperson, All India Petrol Dealers Association (AIPDA).