Shimla- As the private truck and bus operators' strike have resulted in transportation and fuel supply crisis in Himachal Pradesh, movement of private traffic in the state have come to a stand still.
The situation has worsened as the private bus operators have decided to got for chakka jam on January 3, that is set to throw all transport services out of gear.
The petrol pump operators are resorting to hoarding and they are dumping or selling fuel to the private retailers who are selling petrol at rate of Rs 120 a litre n Chopal and other places.
All operators in Solan, Shimla,Bilaspur and other places have joined the strike that in turn has also hit the transportation of cement from the state to outside markets.
As the state and central government are in the blame-game, the people remained stranded at several places due to the strike.
The private operators have been on the strike following amendment in the Motor vehicle Act in connection with the hit and run cases.
Most of the petrol pumps have run dry and only the essential service vehicles are getting the fuel supply in Shimla and other towns in the state.
The oil tankers are being escorted under the police protecting to keep the fuel supply running in the state, but not enough to restore normalcy.
The DC Shimla Aditya Negi has invoked the order, mandating the petrol pump operators in the district to maintain a reserve of petrol and diesel for emergency needs, ensuring an uninterrupted supply despite the ongoing strike.
In response to the pressing situation, Negi emphasized that petrol pump operators must adhere to specific reserve quantities. For petrol pumps with storage capacity exceeding 25 thousand liters, a reserve of 3 thousand liters of diesel and 2 thousand liters of petrol is deemed necessary.
Similarly, for pumps with storage capacity below 25 thousand liters, a reserve of 2 thousand liters of diesel and 1 thousand liters of petrol is required.
To further manage the situation, the District Magistrate imposed restrictions on refilling quantities, limiting dealers to not exceed 10 liters at a time.
In cases of urgency, prior permission from the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) will be obligatory.
Additionally, the transportation of petrol and diesel in any type of container is strictly prohibited, with priority given to emergency vehicles and public transport for refueling.
Stringent measures have been put in place to curb black marketing activities related to petrol and diesel during this challenging period.
Violators of the order will face severe consequences, including strict action under Section 3(1)(c) of the Himachal Pradesh Hoarding and Profiteering Prevention Order 1977.
The strike has already caused long queues at petrol pumps, significantly disrupting public life.
