Fuel Crisis Grabs Odisha Capital

Bhubaneswar: The Drivers’ Association’s strike has entered its third day, bringing the state’s transportation system to a grinding halt. The Baramunda bus stand has been severely affected, with no private buses operating and only a few government passenger buses plying. Passengers are facing immense difficulties, with many stranded for hours or even days.

“I came to Puri for Jagannath darshan, but couldn’t return home due to the strike,” said Abhiram Pradhan, a passenger at Baramunda bus stand. “I’ve been eating ₹5 meals here for three days, waiting for a bus to take me back home.”

The strike has also led to a petrol crisis, with long queues forming at petrol pumps across the state, including Bhubaneswar and Berhampur. Some petrol tanks have even run dry, and there are fears of a severe shortage if tankers don’t arrive soon.

“The situation is complicated,” said Sanjay Lath, General Secretary of the Utkal Petroleum Dealers Association. “If petrol tankers don’t arrive, there will be a crisis from today. Vehicles aren’t running, passengers are stranded, and goods can’t be transported.”

Despite talks between the Drivers’ Association and the Departmental Minister, the association remains firm on its demands, seeking a written commitment from the government in the form of a notification.