LPG truckers strike: No cause for panic yet

Bangaloreans need not worry about the LPG truckers strike, going on since last Thursday, according to the Public Sector Undertaking Oil companies.

“There is no cause for panic as yet,” B Ashok, State Level Coordinator, IOC told Deccan Herald when asked if the ongoing strike would create a shortage of gas cylinders in the City.

Ashok said, “Bangalore gets its gas supply through railways and not through lorries. Thus, this strike should not be hyped and people must understand that the situation is under control.” There are also stocks with the three companies - IOC, Hindustan Petroleum Company and Bharat Petroleum, which will last at least a month more before it gets exhausted.

Since Thursday, close to 4,000 truckers carrying LPG cylinders have been on strike in the State demanding better transportation rates. Bangalore gets 90 per cent of its supply through railways. Mangalore too will remain unaffected as there is both a strong rail and pipeline network.

A senior official from IOC said, “Plants at Mysore, Shimoga, Dharwad and Belgaum will suffer most as the entire supply comes by road. Though there are stocks that can last many days, a solution should be found. Officials from all the three companies need to find an answer at the earliest for the problem.”

Ashok added that the State cannot take decisions in the matter and meetings were being held in Mumbai, Chennai and New Delhi.