The Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union has decided to stop the transportation of petroleum products to Meghalaya after violence erupted in several parts of the neighbouring state including Shillong following the firing incident along the Assam-Meghalaya border.
On Thursday, the union had written to oil marketing companies informing them that its members will not load fuel onto tankers. The union had said that vehicles with number plates from Assam were being attacked in Meghalaya.
“It has been brought to our notice that in Meghalaya mainly Ri-Bhoi, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills districts the situation remains abnormal. Our members are afraid to go to the above-mentioned area for supplying petroleum products,” the union said in the letter.
“Therefore, we have decided not to take any load from today onwards until and unless the Government of Meghalaya assures them of the safety and security of T/T (tank trucks) crews,” the letter added.
During the last couple of days, after vehicles from the Assam side were restricted to enter Meghalaya, panic gripped the state fearing a shortage of fuel. Long queues were witnessed at the petrol pumps of Shillong.
Reacting to the situation, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday said there was no shortage of petrol and diesel in the state. The CM requested all citizens to not resort to panic buying any essential essentials. He said his government has initiated necessary action to ensure no shortage of stock and supply.
Taking to Twitter, Sangma wrote, “There is no shortage of petrol and diesel in Meghalaya. Necessary actions have been initiated by the Government to ensure no shortage of stocks and supply. Request all citizens to not resort to panic buying of any essentials.”
