Mumbai Faces Fuel Shortage Concerns Amidst Truck Drivers’ Protest
Mumbai, 3rd January 2024: Petrol pumps across Mumbai witnessed long queues on Tuesday as concerns over a potential fuel shortage mounted due to ongoing protests by truck drivers. The Mumbai Police appealed to citizens to avoid panic buying, reassuring the public that there is an ample stock of fuel available.
In a significant development, the truck drivers and various transport associations decided to call off their protest following assurances from Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla. Bhalla committed to considering the perspectives of the truckers before implementing a new law related to hit-and-run cases.
During a meeting with representatives from the All India Motor Transport Congress, Bhalla clarified that the proposed rule, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 106/2, has not been enforced yet. He emphasized the government’s intention to engage in discussions with Congress before any implementation, assuring that a decision would only be made after consulting with the representatives.
Addressing the concerns raised by the truckers, Amrit Lal Madan, the President of All India Motor Transport Congress, announced that Home Minister Amit Shah has temporarily suspended the proposed ten-year punishment and fine associated with the new law. No laws will be imposed until the next meeting of Congress, ensuring that the drivers do not face any immediate consequences.
Reports also indicated issues faced by restaurants in Mumbai, as over 50 trucks carrying commercial gas cylinders were reportedly stranded at a BPCL plant. Additionally, some petrol pumps in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district ceased operations on Monday.
The nationwide strike aimed to oppose the provision of a Rs 7 lakh penalty and a 10-year jail term for hit-and-run cases under the recently passed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The All India Motor Transport Congress argued that these yet-to-be-enforced provisions could lead to undue harassment and demanded their recall.
Amid the strike, a police officer was injured in Navi Mumbai when a group of truckers attacked him. This led to police intervention to disperse the gathering on the Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway. The Maharashtra Food, Civil Supply, and Consumer Protection Department expressed concerns about the strike’s impact on the supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG cylinders in a letter to police commissioners and superintendents of police.
Acknowledging the potential disruption, the police were requested to take measures to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products. The department also called for appropriate action under the Essential Commodities Act against drivers and transporters causing interruptions.
School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar urged school bus drivers not to participate in the truck drivers’ strike. He emphasized the importance of resolving the issue through dialogue, highlighting the need for heavy vehicle drivers to follow traffic rules and ensure public safety. Kesarkar stressed that school bus drivers should not jeopardize the education of children by participating in the strike.
