Due to a strike by truckers affiliated with the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) over worries over the new Hit and Run law, some 2,000 gas stations, primarily in Western and Northern India, have run out of fuel.
Industry representatives have disclosed that a significant rush occurred at petrol pumps nationwide as a result of people filling up their tanks in advance of the truckers’
strike at government-owned fuel depots, particularly in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab.
In these states, long lines were seen at numerous pumps as panic broke out as the fuel supply ran out.
They stated that, with the exception of a few pumps, there are no significant supply issues in South India in Hyderabad. However, if the strike continues or spreads across the country, things could get worse.
If the walkout lasts longer than three days or if there is a national movement, it might also have an impact on the availability of basic goods like fruits, vegetables, and milk.
A three-day walkout against the harsh jail and fine provisions of the new Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act for Hit and Run cases was started on Monday by a few truck, bus, and tanker operators.
What’s said in the latest Motor Vehicles Act?
(1) Anybody who kills someone by any act that does not constitute criminal
murder, but with reckless or careless driving, the offender will face consequences. There will be fines in addition to a maximum five-year sentence.
(2) A person who causes someone else’s death and leaves the scene of the accident without reporting it to the police or magistrate right away faces a prison sentence of up to 10 years in addition to a fine.
The truck operators’ umbrella group, the All India Motor Transport Congress, has not yet issued a strike call for the entire country.
To discuss their concerns on the recently passed Motor Vehicles Act, its representatives will meet with authorities from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Industry representatives claimed that if the strike continues for the three days specified, there shouldn’t be any issues because most gas stations have a store of fuel for two to three days. On the other hand, if the strike continues or if there is a national demonstration, problems could arise.
From oil company depots, around one lakh trucks deliver gasoline, diesel, and LPG to organizations that supply gas and fuel to gas stations. They claimed that the strike has hampered truck traffic in several Northern and Western states and has also impeded the shipment of some LPG trucks.
As most customers have two LPG cylinders (double connections) and maintain supplies even in the event that one runs out, there haven’t been any complains about LPG shortages as of now.
They said that the supply of LPG would be impacted if the strike continues.
The state government of Maharashtra asked the police to guarantee a constant supply of gasoline and fuel, but passengers in Madhya Pradesh had difficulty on their travels.
Since Monday, demonstrators in states including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh have blocked roads and highways.
The new rule, which supersedes the outdated Indian Penal Code from the colonial era, stipulates that anyone found guilty of causing a fatal accident faces up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of Rs 7 lakh.
because of careless driving and leaving the scene before calling the police.
Truck drivers contend that because they run the possibility of facing mob punishment and personal danger, the majority of them decide to leave even in routine incidents. They claim that hefty penalties for drivers are unreasonable, even if mob justice frequently goes unpunished.
In Himachal Pradesh, there have also been reports of lengthy lines at the gas stations in Dharamshala and Shimla.
People rushed to fill up their tanks at gas stations in Thane and Mumbai, fearing a lack of fuel.
The Petrol Dealers Association president in Mumbai, Chetan Modi, told PTI that the drivers’ protest on Monday had an impact on the fuel supply. “Ethanol
Yesterday, the pumps began to run dry. The majority of the pumps will run out of fuel by the end of the day if we do not receive the supply,” he stated.
In a number of Gujarati districts, including Kheda, Valsad, Gir Somnath, Bharuch, and Mahisana, as well as in locations like Nagpur in Maharashtra, protesters have blocked roads with trucks.
The protest was baseless, according to Tapan Sharma, the former president of the Ahmedabad Motor Transport Association, who spoke with PTI. “A strike has not been declared by the association.
Fears over the new law have caused drivers to operate freely. They are demonstrating for a short while before continuing. But the movement of products is delayed as a result of these irregular protests.
