Drivers’ Strike in Odisha Sparks Crisis in Essential Commodities Supply

Bhubaneswar: Odisha faces a looming crisis in the supply of essential commodities, including petroleum, as the Odisha Drivers’ Association’s strike entered its third day on Thursday, bringing bus and truck operations to a standstill across the state.

The ‘quit steering’ protest, led by the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha, has severely disrupted fuel transportation from key depots in the state.

As per media reports, fuel stations across cities and towns are running dry, with long queues forming at pumps as petrol, diesel, and LPG supplies dwindle.

In response, the Odisha Government has formed a dedicated task force to address the logistical challenges and ensure the smooth flow of fuel and other critical goods. The decision was made during a high-level meeting, chaired by Minister for Commerce & Transport, Bibhuti Bhushan Jena.

Attendees included the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, Director General of Police, Principal Secretaries of Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Commerce & Transport Departments, the Transport Commissioner, and representatives of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).