Truck owners across Odisha have raised concerns over a possible disruption in goods transportation as diesel supplies tighten in several parts of the state. They warned that the movement of essential commodities could be affected if the situation is not resolved quickly.
Fuel Rationing Causes Operational Difficulties
Transporters said several fuel stations have started rationing diesel and restricting bulk purchases to cope with limited supplies. The curbs have created operational difficulties for truck operators who rely on uninterrupted fuel availability for long-distance transport.
“We are already struggling to procure diesel in sufficient quantities. Several filling stations are either refusing bulk supply or limiting the amount per vehicle. If this continues, it will severely affect goods movement,” said Rabi Narayan Satapathy, chairman of the Odisha branch of the All India Motor Transport Congress.
Satapathy said truckers earlier did not worry much about fuel availability during transit, as drivers could refuel on the way without concern. Now, he said, operators are being forced to plan journeys more carefully amid uncertainty over whether trucks will get fuel en route.
Federation Urges Government Intervention
Pranab Kumar Parija, general secretary of the Odisha State Truck Owners’ Federation, said truck owners in many parts of the state were unable to get diesel as required on Thursday. He said the federation has urged food supplies minister Krushna Chandra Patra to streamline the supply process, warning that prolonged restrictions could disrupt supply chains, especially for perishable goods and industrial raw materials.
“Our business is getting affected during last two days. In future, we may face a chaotic situation,” Parija said.
Fuel Station Operators Defend Restrictions
Fuel station operators, however, said the restrictions were necessary to ensure equitable distribution amid rising demand. “We regulate sales to avoid panic buying and ensure availability for all customers. We are also getting limited fuel supply,” said a petrol pump owner in Bhubaneswar.
Truck owners have urged the state government to intervene and ensure smooth diesel supply to the transport sector. They have sought priority allocation for commercial vehicles engaged in essential services, stressing their role in sustaining economic activity.
Wider Economic Consequences
Industry representatives said any prolonged disruption in fuel supply could have wider consequences for Odisha’s logistics and retail sectors. “Transportation is the backbone of supply chains. Even a short-term shortage can create ripple effects across markets,” Parija said.
