Fuel stations turn away motorists as truck driver's strike hits supplies in HP

Shimla (HP): Fuel pumps at many places in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday were turning away motorists, saying they have run out of stock as petrol and diesel were not being transported because of the truckers' strike.

Truckers in several states on Monday launched an agitation to protest stricter punishments in the new law on hit-and-run cases. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which is set to replace the Indian Penal Code, drivers who cause serious road accidents due to negligent driving and run away without informing authorities face up to 10 years in prison or a fine of Rs 7 lakh.

Most petrol pumps in Dharamshala, Kullu-Manali, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Una and Shimla were turning away customers, while massive queues were seen outside the ones still in operation.

In Manali, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, however, said the situation was under control but it could worsen if the strike continued. Responding to a question, Sukhu also said that the Union government needed to understand the demands of the truck drivers.

Taxi drivers ferrying tourists and residents expressed concerns over the limited availability of petrol and diesel.

"I have visited several petrol pumps in Manali but petrol is not available anywhere," taxi driver Harjeet, who came to drop off tourists in Shimla, told PTI.

There are huge lines at the fuel stations that are still open, he added.

Naresh Kumar, who rode 30 kilometres to Dharamshala to fill up his vehicle, said, "I have been standing outside a petrol pump for the past hour in hopes of getting petrol." Reports of minor scuffles for fuel also poured in from some places.

Private bus drivers have also announced their support for the truckers' strike and kept vehicles off the roads in Hamirpur district.

Accidents are not intentional and at times, the threat to one's life after accidents compels drivers to leave, truck driver Shyam of Darlaghat said.

"Besides, there are several other factors like bad roads, mechanical failure, fog and bad weather that lead to accidents and the law should be taken back," he added.

Managing Director of the Himachal Roadways Transport Corporation Rohan Thakur said directions have been issued to rationalise routes to last the existing stock of diesel longer.

"We are in touch with the management of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and have also sought help from deputy commissioners to ensure the maximum supply from private pumps for HRTC buses," he added.