Long Queues At Maharashtra, Punjab Petrol Pumps As Protests

"Protests Over Hit-and-Run Law Spark Fuel Panic, Long Queues, and Unrest in Maharashtra and Punjab"

Fuel stations in Maharashtra and Punjab are facing long queues and rising frustration due to truck driver protests against a new hit-and-run law, leading to disruptions in fuel supply and triggering panic buying. In Thane, Maharashtra, tensions escalated as drivers blocked the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway, throwing stones at police and injuring an officer.

Various truck driver associations are spearheading the protests, expressing concerns about the amended Motor Vehicles Act's harsher penalties for hit-and-run accidents involving trucks. While the focus is on disrupting cargo truck movement, motorists in both states are experiencing collateral damage.

Major cities in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, report long queues and some dry pumps due to panic buying. Similar scenes are observed in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Amritsar in Punjab, with some stations limiting fuel purchases per customer.

In Thane, the situation turned violent as protesters blocked traffic on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway, leading to severe disruption. Police intervention resulted in injuries, including one officer hurt by thrown stones.

The Punjab Petrol Pump Dealers' Association warns of potential dry spells at several fuel stations if protests persist, raising concerns about broader economic impacts.

Authorities are working to address the situation, engaging with protesting truck drivers and ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply. Officials urge citizens to refrain from panic buying and maintain calm.

The duration and resolution of the protests remain uncertain, causing growing frustration and disruption for ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire of this fuel-related crisis.

Key Points:

- Protests by truck drivers disrupt fuel supply in Maharashtra and Punjab.

- Long queues and panic buying reported at petrol pumps.

- Protests turn violent in Thane, Maharashtra, resulting in a police officer's injury.

- Authorities call for calm and restraint as efforts to resolve the situation continue.

Possible follow-up questions:

1. What specific provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act are truck drivers protesting against?

2. How has the central government responded to the protests?

3. What potential economic consequences might arise from a prolonged fuel shortage?