Diesel Shortage: Jamshedpur Transporters Threaten Indefinite Strike from June 20

Jamshedpur: Transporters have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from June 20 if the diesel scarcity in Steel City is not resolved. Trailers, truckers, and heavy vehicles operating on the Barbil-Chaibasa-Seraikela-Kandra route are unable to get diesel. Petrol pump managements are rationing fuel, providing diesel worth ₹5,000 per vehicle. If the number of waiting vehicles increases, this limit drops to just ₹2,000.

Consequently, vehicles are left stranded for up to 36 hours waiting for fuel. If the government does not find a solution soon, truck and trailer owners in Jamshedpur have warned that they will go on an indefinite strike starting June 20. They have also resolved to write to the central government and the Jharkhand Chief Minister to seek a resolution. Transporters from other states will also be invited to join the strike.

Manish Kumar, general secretary of the Jamshedpur Truck and Trailer Owners Association, during a press conference, expressed anger over the diesel shortage and rising prices. They mentioned that they still hold positive expectations from the government, but if their legitimate demands are ignored, they will have no choice but to call for a Chakka Jam strike.

Key Grievances Raised by Transporters

• Long Waiting Times: Manish Kumar stated that drivers are forced to wait 15 to 20 hours just to get ₹5,000 worth of diesel.
• Financial Strain: Vehicle owners are completely distressed. While diesel prices are continuously rising, freight rates have not increased at all.
• Worst-Hit Routes: The situation is most critical on the Barbil-Chaibasa-Seraikela route, where no petrol pump is dispensing diesel worth more than ₹5,000, that too after a gruelling 15 to 20-hour wait for the drivers.

Operational Drop: Vehicles Completing Only 4–5 Trips Instead of 10

Jasvir Singh, President of the Jamshedpur Truck and Trailer Owners Association, shared:

• Total Fleet: The association comprises 2,600 vehicles, out of which 500 vehicles operate exclusively on the Barbil-Chaibasa and Seraikela routes.
• 50% Drop in Operations: Due to the unavailability of diesel on time, vehicle operations have plummeted by 50%.
• Reduced Trips: Vehicles that previously completed 10 trips a month are now barely managing 4 to 5 trips.

The Impact: This massive dip in revenue has made it incredibly difficult for owners to pay vehicle EMIs and government taxes. Vehicle owners are now unable to afford vehicle installments, government taxes, permits, and insurance premiums. To make matters worse, freight rates have not been increased for the last six years.