Bhubaneswar: Private bus operations across Odisha have been severely disrupted due to an acute shortage of fuel at petrol pumps. According to bus operators, out of the total 14,000 private buses operating in the state, nearly 2,000 buses have already stopped plying. Services from several districts, especially in rural areas, have come to a halt, causing inconvenience to commuters.
Private bus owners are facing serious difficulties in procuring diesel, forcing many to suspend operations. The situation has worsened in the last few days with long queues and restricted supply at fuel stations.
Debendra Sahoo, Secretary of the Private Bus Owners’ Association, expressed deep concern over the crisis. “If this situation continues, bus services are expected to be completely stopped in the coming days,” he said. He demanded immediate intervention by the state government to resolve the fuel shortage.
Sahoo warned that the problem would worsen if the government fails to pay urgent attention to the issue. Reports from various parts of the state indicate widespread fuel scarcity. While some petrol pumps have run out of petrol, others are facing diesel shortages. Many vehicle owners are returning disappointed after visiting pumps. In several places, fuel supply has been restricted to a maximum of 10 litres per vehicle or purchases limited to Rs 200 only.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Lath, General Secretary of the Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association, clarified that there is no overall oil shortage or any formal restrictions imposed. “People are scared as some petrol pumps are running out of fuel because oil companies are not able to supply it to them on time,” he said. Lath assured that all petrol tanks across the state will be supplied with fuel by today.
The fuel supply disruption has not only affected private bus services but is also causing hardship to common people and daily commuters, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The state government is yet to issue any official statement on the matter.
