Ongoing protests by truck drivers in Maharashtra and Punjab against the newly enforced hit-and-run provision have sparked panic buying among two wheelers and four wheelers riders, leading to long queues at petrol pumps. Visuals captured the scenes of extensive queues outside fuel stations in Nagpur, Thane, Jalgaon, and Dhulia, creating a chaotic situation. Local police swiftly intervened, clearing blockades in Nagpur as captured in videos.
In Punjab’s Amritsar and Patiala, visuals showed people waiting outside petrol pumps while truckers protested against the contentious provision in the new penal law on hit-and-run incidents. The unrest has led to fuel shortages, with some petrol pumps in Nagpur district already running out of stock. Managers warn of potential “No Petrol” display boards if the situation persists.
The Nashik District Petrol Dealers Association issued a warning, stating that if the protests persist, numerous fuel stations in Nashik district could run dry. The fuel shortage has resulted in the closure of three petrol pumps in Thane, escalating the crisis.
Petrol pump associations in Mumbai and Marathwada regions express concerns over maintaining petrol stocks, attributing the shortage to panic buying. In Thane, protests escalated as drivers blocked traffic on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway, leading to clashes with the police. Similar incidents unfolded in Navi Mumbai, with truckers attacking a policeman, prompting police intervention.
Punjab witnessed widespread fuel shortages, with long queues at petrol pumps in Amritsar. Locals urge the government and truck associations to find a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
Under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, replacing the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, drivers causing serious road accidents through negligent driving and fleeing can face severe penalties of up to 10 years in prison or a fine of ₹7 lakh. The protests have caused massive traffic jams and fuel shortages in various Indian cities, affecting daily life.
The Maharashtra Food, Civil Supply, and Consumer Protection Department have requested the police to ensure an uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG cylinders. Similar fuel shortages and protests are reported in Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, affecting transportation services.
Amid the turmoil, the All India Motor & Goods Transport Association President, Rajendra Kapoor, emphasizes the need for consultations with stakeholders before implementing such decisions, highlighting the lack of prior discussion.
The recently enacted hit-and-run law categorizes offenses, imposing stringent penalties for negligence resulting in serious accidents. The law aims to address concerns related to hit-and-run cases, promoting road safety with increased fines and imprisonment for offenders.