Paradeep: The truck associations' protest against transportation of petroleum coke (pet coke) by outsiders from IOCL intensified further as three associations have deployed their employees and owners at the parking yard of IOCL to keep a strict vigil on the movement of vehicles from outside.
"Our truck owners will patrol in front of the IOCL from today. If any outsider is found transporting pet coke, we would oppose it. The IOCL authorities and administration will be responsible for any kind of untoward incident if arises," said Sumant Biswal, president of Paradeep truckers' association.
A joint coordination committee comprising truckers of three associations alleged that IOCL had made agreement with the committee for transportation of pet coke on road, but breached the contract many times.
It further alleged that the IOCL has planned to transport its produce through railway and water routes. Moreover, the authorities engaged an outside company when a case related to transportation is pending in High Court. The move will affect livelihood of around 50,000 families, the truckers said.