Normalcy Returns in Mumbai As Truck Drivers' Protest Ends - Here's Why

In response to the growing rush in the city in markets and petrol pumps, the Mumbai Police today, January 3, assured citizens that there was no shortage of petrol. They urged the public not to engage in buying large stocks out of panic as the truck drivers, along with several transport associations, decided to call off their protest.

Mumbai Police appeal’s to all citizens.
In case of any kind of problem #Dial100 https://t.co/JPS6xhANlD pic.twitter.com/NNDCf0va9s

— मुंबई पोलीस - Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) January 2, 2024

This decision came after Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla promised to consider their points before implementing a new law related to hit-and-run incidents.

Following the meeting, AIMTC President Amrit Lal Madan announced that the new provision of imposing 10 years of punishment and whopping 7-10 lakh fine for hit and run cases has been has been postponed. Until the next meeting of the All India Motor Transport Congress is held no laws will be imposed, he added.

The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), which had called for the strike, held a meeting with the Home Secretary on Tuesday evening, January 2. The discussion was centered around the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).

Later, the truck drivers protesting in Nashik, called off their strike. The fuel transporters started the agitation at Panewadi near Manmad on Monday, January 1. More than 1,000 trucks and tankers were parked in Panewadi area as part of the nationwide protest. Panewadi village near Manmad town in Nandgaon taluka of the district has fuel depots of various companies, including Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum and Indian Oil. Fuel is supplied in many parts of the state from these depots. Indian Oil has an Indane LPG bottling plant also at Panewadi.

It is pertinent to note that this  strike had a ripple effect on local businesses. Eateries in Mumbai reported a shortage of petrol cylinders. Over 50 trucks carrying commercial petrol cylinders were reportedly stalled at the BPCL facility.

The Maharashtra Food, Civil Supply, and Consumer Protection Department addressed the situation by sending a letter to the superintendents of police and police commissioners. The letter asked the police to ensure the smooth and continuous delivery of essential commodities.

School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar clarified that school bus drivers would not participate in the strike. This would ensure that the education sector would not be affected.