Fuel crisis to hit Shillong as NEPMU halts petroleum supply, demands withdrawal of no entry order

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 8, 2024

Fuel crisis likely to hit shilling as the North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMU) suspended the loading and unloading of tankers carrying petroleum products from Guwahati to Shillong from Saturday.

The reason for the strike is ‘no entry’ imposed by East Khasi Hills district police on the movement of oil and LPG carrying tankers/ trucks at Lad Smit from 1 pm to 5 pm from the first week of April, this year.

“The entry can’t be restricted in cases of the movement of fuel-carrying tankers and trucks as these are counted as essential service. We have sent a letter to East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner on April 9 urging him to withdraw the circular restricting entry of fuel carrying vehicles to shilling, but he is yet to give a positive response,” NEPMU general secretary Ramen Das told this correspondent.

“Today we have talked to the DC. He told us that he had discussed the issue with the SP and from now entry would not be restricted for fuel-carrying vehicles. But we are yet to get a formal order on it,” Das said.

“If we receive any order from the authorities, we will withdraw the strike,” Das added.

More than 30 oil-carrying tankers and 15 LPG cylinder-carrying vehicles ply from IOCL Depot at Betkuchi in Guwahati to Shillong every day.

Sources said there will be no loading or unloading on Saturday and Sunday. So, the fuel crisis is likely to hit Shillong from Monday.

In a letter to the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya on May 30, the NEPMU said: “We have sent a letter to you for withdrawal of ‘no entry area’ in Shilling on April 9, but no action has been initiated from the administration. No entry has been imposed at Lad Smit from 1 pm to 5 pm on oil and gas tankers and trucks. Previously it was at Alugodam and from 2 pm to 4 pm.”

“In the name of no entry tankers/ trucks loaded and unloaded were detained on the road at least for four hours. As a result, the supply of petroleum products (essential commodities) is hampered and tanker crews are facing harassment,” the NEPMU said.

“We urge before your honour to withdraw the no entry on essential goods carrying vehicles like oil and gas for the normal supply of these products and for the greater interest of the public,” they said.

“We will have no other alternative but to boycott loading and uploading of petroleum products including LPG cylinders from June 8, if you do not initiate any action in this regard,” they added.