Most pumps run dry as major fuel crisis hits Himachal, normal life thrown out of gear

TNR Desk
DHARAMSHALA: For the second consecutive day, truck operators in Himachal Pradesh are on strike, protesting the recent amendment in the Motor Vehicles Act related to hit-and-run cases. The wheels of approximately 30,000 trucks have come to a halt, disrupting the supply chain of petrol and diesel across the state. The strike has led to long queues at petrol pumps, with some running out of oil, forcing closure by pump owners.
Since Tuesday morning, pumps in Shimla, Solan, Mandi, Chamba, Bilaspur and other district witnessed long queues of vehicles at petrol pumps, causing inconvenience to residents. A few pumps have exhausted their oil reserves, compelling owners to close them temporarily by tying ropes outside. To maintain order amidst the growing crowds, police personnel have been deployed at affected petrol pumps.
The strike has resulted in a three-day halt in oil supply at several petrol pumps, leaving only a one to two-day reserve at others. If the protest persists, the public is likely to face severe problems in the coming days. In addition to the truck operators’ strike, private bus drivers are also on strike for the second day, intensifying pressure on the buses of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation. This has particularly affected people, including schoolchildren, commuting from rural areas.
Transport associations across the district have joined the protest, leading to a complete halt in the movement of trucks. Solan has also witnessed long queues at all petrol and diesel pumps, with petrol being rationed at Rs 200 for drivers. Many pumps are expected to run empty by evening. In Dharamshala, the situation is no different as many pumps have run dry.
Chamba district faces a similar crisis, with queues forming at petrol pumps, creating a dire situation. Shimla, Mandi, and Chamba cities are also experiencing fuel shortage, forcing rationing measures. Private petrol pumps are now the destination for HRTC buses, impacting public transportation services. In Chamba, a competition for petrol ensued, with most pumps running dry, forcing residents to head to the nearest operational pump in Sultanpur.