Jharsuguda: Fuel supply in Jharsuguda returned to normal on Wednesday after the ongoing strike by contract carriers and tanker drivers at the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) terminal was called off following intervention by the district administration and police.
Jharsuguda District collector Kunal Motiram Chavan and superintendent of police G R Raghavendra stepped in to resolve the impasse, leading to the resumption of oil loading operations at the terminal.
The collector conducted an early morning ground inspection of the IOCL terminal to assess the situation and later convened an emergency meeting at the collectorate around 12.30 pm. Representatives of the petrol pump owners’ association, tanker association and the protesting drivers’ association attended the meeting.
Terming fuel a vital commodity, Chavan warned that any disruption in its supply would invite strict action under the Essential Commodities Act. “No illegal or unauthorised disruption will be tolerated. The RTO has been directed to cancel carriage licences of vehicles found involved in such unlawful acts,” he said.
Addressing grievances raised by the drivers, the collector acknowledged the lack of basic amenities at the terminal, particularly drinking water facilities. He directed IOCL authorities to install water coolers at key points within the terminal at the earliest.
To ensure smooth operations and prevent further disruptions, police deployed platoon forces at the site and placed the loading and transportation process under CCTV surveillance. SP Raghavendra also visited the terminal and held discussions with drivers to facilitate the resumption of operations, warning of strict action against any misconduct.
Senior officials including additional district magistrate (revenue) Kishore Chandra Swain, sub-collector Sabyasachi Panda, RTO Pranay Mishra and IOCL representatives were present during the meeting.
