Amid mounting concerns over the alleged fuel shortage situation in Odisha, the State Transport Authority (STA) on Friday held a crucial meeting in Cuttack under the chairmanship of the Transport Commissioner to review the impact of the ongoing crisis on transportation services across the State.

Also Read: Petrol & diesel shortage: Collectors, police launch surprise checks at petrol pumps across Odisha

The high-level meeting was attended by representatives of private bus and truck owners’ associations, along with officials from various oil companies. Discussions primarily focused on ensuring uninterrupted transport operations and maintaining smooth vehicular movement despite reports of fuel scarcity in several districts.

During the meeting, transport operators expressed serious concern over the non-availability of petrol and diesel at multiple fuel stations across Odisha. Representatives of bus and truck owners warned that commercial vehicle operations could come to a standstill if the fuel supply situation does not improve immediately. They informed officials that many vehicles are already facing operational difficulties due to inadequate fuel availability.

Sources said transport associations warned of suspending operations if the situation persists, following which the STA reportedly sought 48 hours’ time to stabilise the fuel supply situation and restore normalcy.

The meeting comes at a time when panic buying, long queues at petrol pumps and reports of restricted fuel distribution have triggered public anxiety in several parts of the State. The situation has also affected commuters, goods transportation and commercial logistics operations.

Officials of oil companies assured the administration that efforts are underway to streamline supply and prevent disruptions in transportation services. The Transport Commissioner emphasised the need for coordinated action among transport operators, oil companies and government authorities to ensure the uninterrupted movement of passenger and commercial vehicles across Odisha.

The State administration is continuing to closely monitor the situation to avoid any major disruption in public transport and supply-chain operations.

“Separate petrol pumps will be reserved in Odisha districts for buses and trucks. Sufficient fuel stock is currently available in the State. Passenger transport and truck movement will not be interrupted. We will also make necessary arrangements for alternative facilities,” Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) authorities said after the meeting.

“Currently, the State’s fuel crisis is very alarming. However, in the meeting held today with the government officials and Transport Commissioner, various oil company officials were present, including the State nodal officer. They said that there is sufficient fuel available and they are providing a 25 percent excess quota compared to the previous quota to all fuel pumps. Hence, there is no problem with fuel supply,” general secretary of the State Truck Owners’ Association, Pranab Parija, stated while speaking to mediapersons.

“As truck owners, we are not totally convinced by this. I told them this repeatedly. We are not convinced by their statement, because there is a fuel crisis all over the State. Trucks are stranded everywhere, waiting at fuel stations to fill up after loading. Whichever stations they go to, they are only given Rs 2000, 3000, or 5000 worth of fuel,” Parija further said.

“Even though there’s a refinery in Paradip, and all companies supply fuel throughout Odisha from Paradip, all pumps in Paradip have been dry at different times. Due to this, for the past two days, around a thousand trucks, nearly 600 to 1000, have been stranded. The Transport Commissioner has taken 48 hours. He said that within that time, the oil companies will resolve everything and ensure free flow of supply. But we are not optimistic about that,” the outfit general secretary added.