Bhubaneswar, Jan 6: Filling stations throughout the State are expected to face fuel shortages by Sunday afternoon due to a nationwide drivers' strike that has disrupted the public transportation system.

Several petrol pumps in different parts of the State experienced a surge in customers concerned about a potential fuel shortage. Many filling stations struggled to manage the overwhelming influx of consumers since yesterday.

As a result of panic buying, petrol and diesel sales saw a 20% increase on Friday, according to Sanjay Lath, the General Secretary of the Utkal Petroleum Dealers' Association.

Lath stated, "The ongoing drivers' strike has impacted the transportation of diesel and petrol. Odisha witnessed a 20% spike in fuel sales on Friday due to panic buying. Loading activities have been reduced by 75% due to the agitation. Only 25% of vehicles were loaded with fuel on Friday. Loading operations have been completely disrupted at the Paradip depot, while only a few vehicles were loaded at the Jatani and Balasore depots."

Expressing concern, Lath added, "If the situation persists, fuel reserves across Odisha will likely be depleted by tomorrow afternoon."

Lath urged consumers to avoid panic buying during this challenging time.

The nationwide strike was initiated by drivers protesting against the Centre's new hit-and-run law. In Odisha, drivers affiliated with the Odisha Driver Mahasangh also participated in the countrywide agitation, causing widespread disruption to public transportation.

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