LPG transporters' strike continues, disrupting supply to Assam and Northeastern states

Gaurav Das

Dec 7, 2023 - 13:06

In a defiant stance, around 1,500 LPG transporters have decided to persist with their indefinite strike, causing a severe disruption in the supply of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) to Assam and other northeastern states. The strike, initiated by the Northeast Packed LPG Transporter Association (NEPLTA), commenced on Monday and shows no signs of abating, despite appeals from the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL).

NEPLTA President Niranjan Mahanta affirmed, "There is no question of withdrawal of the strike as our issues remain unresolved." The strike has resulted in a complete standstill of LPG supply from six bottling plants – North Guwahati, Mizra, Duliajan, Tinsukia, Bongaigaon, and Silchar – to dealers across Assam and neighboring states.

The transporters' grievances include objections to new tenders being floated at a lower amount than in 2011, non-refund of toll charges, and the alleged disregard of their long-pending demands by IOCL. Mahanta revealed that despite several meetings with IOCL officials, the transporters' concerns have not been addressed. The cancellation of a previous tender by IOCL, prompted by a directive from the Union Petroleum Ministry, further fueled discontent among the transporters.

Mahanta accused IOCL of recently issuing fresh tenders for various LPG bottling plants without addressing the issues raised by the transporters' body, leading to the decision to go on strike from December 4.

The association also claimed that IOCL has not revised transportation rates since 2014, resulting in financial losses for the transporters. LPG plants in various locations, including Gopanari, Sarpara, Dimapur, Sekmai, Nagaon, Agartala, Bishalgarh, and Dimapur, have also halted operations in solidarity with the ongoing strike.

In response, IOCL has urged the NEPLTA to call off the strike and participate in the recently issued public tenders for LPG cylinders. The strike has significantly impacted essential supplies to consumers, hospitals, schools, and industries, prompting IOCL to appeal to the transporters to refrain from disrupting loading and delivery services.

The IOCL emphasized that the flash strike is causing inconvenience to the public at large and urged the NEPLTA to uphold national and state interests while avoiding actions detrimental to consumers and essential services in the state. The standoff continues as both parties remain firm in their positions, with the broader community feeling the brunt of the LPG supply disruption.