Bhubaneswar, Jul 10: Amid growing concerns over fuel availability due to the ongoing drivers’ strike, general secretary of Utkal Petroleum Dealers' Association, Sanjay Lath has reassured the public that there is no shortage of petrol in Odisha.

Speaking to media, Lath stated, “Compared to yesterday, the situation has improved. 250 oil tankers have arrived in Odisha. There will be no problem in availability of petrol.”

He also urged citizens not to rush to petrol pumps or purchase more fuel than necessary, emphasising that panic buying could worsen the situation.

The reassurance comes as the state grapples with a drivers’ protest that had disrupted fuel supply chains for over 48 hours. However, fresh arrivals of tankers have helped stabilise stocks at many fuel stations.

Lath appealed to drivers to resume operations. The Drivers’ Federation also urged fuel tanker drivers to return to work.

Lath mentioned that while some petrol pumps may run dry today, transportation has resumed. Most pumps have stock for about four days, and based on daily sales, fuel will reach stations by this evening.

In Bhubaneswar, out of 42 petrol pumps, only 2–3 have run out of fuel. Customers may face minor inconvenience and might need to travel farther to refuel, he added.

However, there is no actual shortage, and Lath urged consumers not to create artificial panic.

Across Odisha, there are approximately 3,100 petrol pumps. Bhubaneswar alone requires 3.12 lakh litres of petrol and 2.15 lakh litres of diesel daily. Statewide, the demand stands at 36 lakh litres of petrol and 85 lakh litres of diesel. Since it takes time for fuel to reach remote areas, consumers are advised to buy fuel as per need, not in excess, he further stated.

The drivers, however, remain firm on their demands, which include welfare measures and policy changes affecting their livelihoods.

After multiple rounds of high-level discussions that stretched late into Tuesday evening, Odisha government officials and representatives of the ‘All Odisha Driver Mahasangha (Union)’ failed to arrive at a concrete resolution to end the ongoing strike.

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