Petrol pumps have been witnessing unusually long queues across India as people rush to fill their tanks, driven by fears of a fuel shortage. This situation arises amidst a protest by truck drivers against the new penal law on hit-and-run accident cases involving motorists. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaces the Indian Penal Code, stipulates up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of INR 7 lakh for drivers causing serious road accidents and fleeing the scene without informing the police or administration.
Widespread protests across states
Protests have erupted across India, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, with private bus and truck drivers enforcing ‘chakka jams’ in protest against the new law. Gyansingh Yadav, a cab driver, expressed his concerns, saying, “The new law attracts a 10-year prison term for errant drivers. I feel it should be reduced to 1-2 years.”
Drivers’ concerns and government legislation
Under the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, the punishment for hit-and-run cases has been significantly increased from the previous two years under the IPC. Private transport operators argue that the law is discouraging for drivers and may lead to unjust punishments. They fear that drivers could be subject to mob violence when attempting to transport the injured to hospitals and are demanding the repeal of the law.
Impact on fuel supply
Chetan Modi, president of the Petrol Dealers Association, Mumbai, told PTI that the fuel supply to petrol pumps has been disrupted since Monday due to the drivers’ agitation. “Petrol pumps started getting dry since yesterday. If we won’t get the supply, most of the pumps will run out of fuel from today,” he said. Mumbai, with around 200 petrol pumps, is feeling the pinch as drivers refuse to let fuel tankers move from the depots despite police security.
Spontaneous agitation and panic buying
The protest, described by transporters as a spontaneous agitation fueled by social media, has led to panic buying in Nagpur, with people queuing up at petrol pumps since Monday night. Nagpur Collector Dr Vipin Itankar appealed to the public not to indulge in panic buying, assuring that there is sufficient stock of petrol, diesel, and LPG.
Transporters’ response and government’s measures
Baba Shinde, a leader of transporters, mentioned that the All India Motor Transport Congress is planning a meeting to decide the future course of action. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Food, Civil Supply and Consumer Protection Department has requested police intervention to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products and action under the Essential Commodities Act against drivers and transporters interrupting the supply.
(With inputs from agencies)
