1 week ago
Union Suspends Fuel Supply to Meghalaya Over Security Fears
A workers’ union has stopped carrying petrol, diesel and cooking gas from Assam to Meghalaya.
The union says drivers and vehicles from Assam may not be safe because of recent unrest.
The trouble followed violence at a Khasi Students’ Union rally in Shillong on August 19.
More than 30 vehicles were reportedly damaged.
Taxi drivers also stopped travelling to Shillong, and blockades were reported on roads between the states.
Because people feared fuel would become scarce, many lined up at petrol stations in Shillong.
Meghalaya officials stopped unauthorised sales of petrol and diesel in bottles and jerry cans to reduce fire and public-order risks.
Some approved diesel deliveries, such as those for mobile towers and road construction, can continue.
The North-East Petroleum Mazdoor Union suspended petrol, diesel and LPG transport from Assam to Meghalaya on Saturday over safety concerns.
The union also halted loading and unloading operations in Meghalaya until authorities ensure the safety of Assam-registered vehicles and drivers.
The move followed August 19 violence during a Khasi Students’ Union rally in Shillong, in which more than 30 vehicles were reportedly damaged.
Fuel queues formed across Shillong on Friday night, and several stations reportedly ran out of supplies.
Meghalaya authorities prohibited loose petrol and diesel sales, citing fire hazards, hoarding and public-order risks, while allowing approved diesel supplies for mobile towers and road projects.
- Who
- The North-East Petroleum Mazdoor Union, Meghalaya authorities, the Khasi Students’ Union, and transport operators from Assam and Meghalaya are involved.
- What
- The union suspended petroleum transport and loading and unloading operations in Meghalaya, while authorities restricted loose fuel sales.
- Where
- The disruption affects Meghalaya, particularly Shillong, and fuel routes from Assam to Meghalaya.
- When
- The supply suspension was announced on Saturday, following Friday-night fuel queues and violence on August 19.
- Why
- The union cited safety fears for Assam-registered vehicles, drivers and petroleum goods; authorities cited fire hazards, illegal hoarding and public-order concerns.
Security and Public Order
Fuel Access and Normalcy
Petroleum transport
Security and Public Order
The North-East Petroleum Mazdoor Union said transport was unsafe because Assam-registered vehicles and drivers faced unrest, harassment and possible attacks.
Fuel Access and Normalcy
The suspension threatens supplies of petrol, diesel and LPG to Meghalaya and has contributed to public concern and queues at fuel stations.
Loose fuel sales
Security and Public Order
Meghalaya authorities said restricting sales in bottles, jerry cans and other unauthorised containers would reduce fire hazards, hoarding and risks to public order.
Fuel Access and Normalcy
The restrictions limit how residents can obtain fuel during a period when supply disruptions and reported shortages are causing concern.
Interstate response
Security and Public Order
The union called for restoration of normalcy and stringent action against those responsible for violence and harassment before transport resumes.
Fuel Access and Normalcy
Taxi-service suspensions and blockades around the Assam-Meghalaya route further restrict movement and could affect essential-goods supplies.
Key facts
- Fuel affected
- Petrol, diesel and LPG transported from Assam to Meghalaya
- Union action
- The North-East Petroleum Mazdoor Union suspended transportation and loading and unloading operations in Meghalaya.
- Conditions for resumption
- The union wants effective measures to protect Assam-registered vehicles and drivers and restore normalcy.
- Reported violence
- More than 30 vehicles, mostly Assam-registered, were reportedly damaged or vandalised after the August 19 Shillong rally.
- Public response
- Long queues formed at Shillong fuel stations on Friday night, with several outlets reportedly running dry.
- Fuel-sale restriction
- Unauthorised sales of petrol and diesel in jerry cans, bottles and other containers were prohibited until further orders.
- Exemption
- Approved diesel supplies for mobile towers and road construction companies may continue under existing permissions and regulations.
Quotes
Ramen Deka
General secretary of the North-East Petroleum Mazdoor Union
“If the situation does not improve, our members will not transport any kinds of petroleum products to Meghalaya. It is not possible for our members because there is a safety concern. Unless the situation improves, our members are not willing to transport any kind of petroleum products to Meghalaya. It is not possible to supply essential goods under constant fear and intimidation.”
NDTV
“Since petroleum products are highly flammable, this decision has been taken to ensure the safety of both vehicles and goods.”
NDTV
thehansindia.com
Sources
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