Odisha forms task force amid fears of fuel crisis as drivers' strike continues

With the drivers' strike entering its third consecutive day, the Odisha government has constituted a task force to ensure uninterrupted movement of fuel tankers and goods vehicles, as concerns grow over a looming fuel shortage in the state.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena on Wednesday night. The move comes amid rising anxiety across districts, with petrol pumps experiencing increased rush and reports of supply disruptions beginning to surface.

Utkal Petroleum Dealers' Association president Sanjay Lath said, "We apprehend that maximum fuel stations will go out of stock this evening, if the supply chain is not restored."

According to PTI, the newly formed task force includes members from the Commerce and Transport Department, police, district administrations, and oil marketing companies. It has been assigned to carry out 24x7 monitoring, address logistical hurdles promptly, and facilitate the smooth transportation of petroleum and essential goods, according to officials.

To support this effort, police forces have been directed to provide necessary assistance, including security escorts for fuel tankers and cargo trucks wherever required.

Despite mounting public concerns, Minister Jena assured that the fuel supply situation remains stable, PTI reported.

"Oil marketing companies have confirmed that sufficient stock is available at depots and retail outlets throughout the state. Daily replenishment operations are being carried out without interruption, and delivery of petroleum products is proceeding smoothly at all key locations," he said.

Meanwhile, drivers of various categories of vehicles, including buses, continued their protest for the third day, despite the government's two rounds of dialogue with them. The striking drivers are pressing for the introduction of welfare schemes addressing their social and economic security.

As uncertainty loomed over supplies, people queued up outside petrol pumps from early morning, fearing an impending fuel crunch.