Residents of Phulbari have been facing high fuel costs as tankers are unable to reach the area.
The problem, according to locals, started about a week ago after the Bamundanga bridge on the AMPT Road was deemed too weak for heavily laden fuel trucks to pass over. Ever since, prices of petrol and diesel have skyrocketed due to the shortage.
In many places in the town, petrol has been selling for Rs 130 per litre, buoyed by black marketers making hay due to the circumstances.
Many residents initially thought that the lack of fuel was due to a strike by the fuel depots but the matter was clarified by one of the fuel pump owners, who blamed the weak bridge for the scarcity.
“Tankers have been stranded as they are not able to pass over the bridge. Unless an alternative route is sanctioned by the district administration, the problem will continue. Currently, we only have the reserve quota in stock,” said one of the fuel depot owners.
Phulbari MLA, SG Esmatur Mominin, stated that he was aware of the situation and had asked for the matter to be solved quickly.
When contacted, the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh, said that an alternative route has been worked out and the fuel crisis would be resolved soon.
“They (fuel tankers) have been given an alternative route already by the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) of Dadenggre… The crisis will be sorted out quickly,” he added.
