(Image source from: Twitter.com/TOIHyderabad)
Mad rush in Petrol bunks across Hyderabad:- In response to a nationwide truckers' strike, drivers in the city have resorted to panic purchasing petrol and diesel, fearing a shortage. This has caused long queues at fuel stations, disrupting traffic flow in busy areas like Begumpet, Panjagutta circle, Banjara Hills Road No 12, Gachibowli, Langar Houz, Afzalgunj, and Khairatabad. The strike was initiated by truckers, taxi, and bus operators to protest against the recently passed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which imposes a hefty penalty and a 10-year prison sentence for hit-and-run cases. The All India Motor Transport Congress argues that these provisions could lead to unnecessary harassment and is demanding the law be repealed.
As a result of the strike, fuel supply chains have been thrown into chaos, causing drivers to scramble for the limited reserves. With oil tanker owners refusing to transport fuel, the sight of long lines of cars and two-wheelers has become common throughout the city. In late December, some fuel station owners chose not to refill their tanks in anticipation of possible fuel price reductions by the Central Government. This has fueled panic among drivers, as several petrol pumps have displayed "no Petrol" signs, leaving drivers feeling anxious and frustrated.
Anxiety over empty fuel pumps set off a chain reaction, prompting an increasing number of fuel station owners in Hyderabad to proactively put up "no stock" signs in order to cope with the surge. G Vinay Kumar, president of the Telangana State Petrol Dealers Association, revealed, "Due to rumors of potential fuel price reductions on December 31, 2023, dealers postponed refueling. This, combined with the sudden strike on Monday, created a perfect storm, resulting in shortages at numerous stations in Hyderabad." Tanker lorry associations decided to end the strike by Tuesday evening. As a result, fuel would be readily available in the city by tonight and in districts by Wednesday.
