The Mukroh massacre has led to fuel chaos in parts of Meghalaya as the state totally depends on Assam for its supplies of petrol and diesel.
Fears for the safety of their vehicles and drivers led the Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union to halt supply to Meghalaya until the state government can guarantee their safety.
This led to panic buying by Shillongites, many of whom struggled to fill their tanks today. However, the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills assured the public that there is no shortage.
Some petrol pumps remained closed today as tankers meant to resupply them did not come through while those stations that did still have fuel witnessed long queues of vehicles looking to fill up.
However, an owner of a petrol pump has informed that the Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union halt in supply will be called off and people should not worry about the fuel supplied to Meghalaya.
“The concerns being expressed by oil companies/distributors/tanker drivers from outside the state are being addressed to ensure that petroleum supplies reach the district and the public do not suffer,” the DC said in a press release.
Ashok Jain, manager of a petrol pump at Dhankheti, said that his last tanker came through yesterday and there was no supply today, though they still had a few reserves and could serve customers.
Another resident of Shillong said that he had gone to three petrol pumps before he could find fuel.
Pressure groups have urged the fuel suppliers not to halt delivery, as this would only hurt the ordinary citizens of Meghalaya.
The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation told the Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union that all pressure groups “do not hold a grudge” against individuals, especially from other North East states, but are angry with the governments of Assam and Meghalaya.
“As suggested by you, that if the state government of Meghalaya assures that all your security concerns are adequately addressed accordingly, normal traffic of delivery of fuel will continue, I assure you that we will leave no stone unturned to prevail on the government to respond to this plea by declaring publicly that such action has been guaranteed for the smooth functioning of all fuel related businesses especially fuel stations across the state,” a HITO leader told the suppliers’ group.
