Hyderabad: Hyderabad is currently experiencing a surge in panic buying and long queues at petrol stations as a nationwide truckers' strike intensifies. The strike, ignited by opposition to stringent penalties for hit-and-run cases under the newly-passed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, has led to widespread panic buying, causing certain petrol pumps to exhaust their stock.
In the aftermath of the ongoing strike by oil tanker owners, motorists in Hyderabad have formed massive queues outside petrol stations. Long lines of vehicles, including passenger cars and two-wheelers, spill onto the roads as panic buying ensues at petrol pumps.
Anticipating a potential reduction in petrol and diesel rates by the Central government, many bunk owners did not secure a full stock of fuel. Consequently, several petrol pumps in Hyderabad have already run out of stock, prominently displaying 'No Petrol' signs. With tanker owners on strike, motorists are rushing to fuel stations to secure supplies before stocks are depleted.
As panic buying intensifies, bunk owners across the city are putting up 'no stock' boards at various locations in Hyderabad.
Why Are Truck Drivers and Owners on Strike?
Truckers, taxi, and bus operators initiated a nationwide strike to protest against the newly-passed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which imposes a ₹7 lakh penalty and a 10-year jail term for hit-and-run cases. The All India Motor Transport Congress argues that these provisions, yet to come into force, could lead to undue harassment and must be recalled.
With over 70% of trucks, tempos, and containers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region staying off the roads, the three-day strike is expected to disrupt fuel distribution and impact the supply of fruits and vegetables in the coming days.
Before the enactment of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the penalty for causing death by negligence was limited to 2 years under Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The truck owners' association contends that, regardless of culpability, larger vehicle drivers are often unfairly booked in accidents.
