Truckers’ Protests Trigger Fuel Crisis and Panic Buying Across Multiple States

Hyderabad: Fuel pumps across several states are witnessing prolonged queues, not due to anticipated price increases, but because of panic buying driven by concerns about potential disruptions caused by truckers protesting a new criminal code.

The truckers are rallying against the proposed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which imposes substantial penalties for hit-and-run accidents, including up to 10 years in jail and a ₹7 lakh fine.

These protests, occurring in states such as Bihar,  Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra,  Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, have triggered a fuel crisis as tanker drivers actively participate in the strike.

The looming fear of supply shortages for essential goods adds urgency to the situation. Truckers express anxieties about affording such hefty fines in case of accidents, characterizing the legislation as harmful to their livelihoods.

Cities like Hyderabad are witnessing a surge in panic buying, while petrol pump dealers in Aurangabad caution about potential fuel shortages in the coming days. The ongoing protests create a tense atmosphere as both motorists and essential supply chains prepare for the possible repercussions.

Most fuel stations in Hyderbad have gone dry and motorists are visiting multiple stations to fill their vehicles fuel tanks. The panic buying has caused massive traffic jam on certain roads in the city of pearls.