Truckers are reporting significant disruptions to their routes due to limited diesel availability at petrol pumps. The issue, which began escalating on March 26, is forcing commercial vehicles to make frequent stops for fuel, increasing travel times and operational costs.
Fuel Restrictions Impacting Key Routes
The situation is particularly affecting routes in Uttar Pradesh. For example, the journey between Lucknow and Faizabad (Ayodhya), normally taking around three hours to cover 130 kilometers, is now taking between four and five hours due to the require for multiple refuelling stops.
Transporters like Ram Asrey Verma, operating on the Faizabad (Ayodhya) route, report that fuel stations are now rationing diesel, preventing drivers from fully refilling their tanks. Arun Kumar Mishra, who operates vehicles connecting Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Ghaziabad, confirmed similar issues, stating that some pumps have either run out of diesel or are supplying it in fixed quantities.
Social Media and Panic Buying
According to Harpreet Bhatia, a transporter, the current situation stems from rumours circulating on social media that triggered panic buying by drivers of two-wheelers and four-wheelers. This surge in demand created pressure on diesel supplies, disproportionately impacting commercial transport.
Long queues at petrol pumps are exacerbating the delays. Transporters caution that if fuel rationing continues, it could lead to significant disruptions in the supply of essential goods across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the diesel shortages?
Rumours on social media led to panic buying by drivers of cars and motorcycles, creating pressure on diesel supplies and limiting availability for commercial vehicles.
How is this affecting travel times?
Travel times are increasing significantly. The journey between Lucknow and Faizabad (Ayodhya), usually three hours, is now taking four to five hours due to frequent fuel stops.
What are transporters doing to cope with the situation?
Transporters are instructing drivers to refill with whatever quantity of diesel is available at each station to avoid being stranded mid-route.
As fuel availability remains constrained, will these disruptions continue to impact the movement of goods and essential services?
