Mizoram grappling with acute fuel, essential commodities shortages

Guwahati: Mizoram has been struggling with acute shortages of fuel and essential commodities after several trucks and oil tankers got stranded on the National Highway-306/06- the lifeline of the state - due to its deplorable condition.

The NH-306/06 is in a dilapidated condition especially in Kolasib district’s Kawnpui-Khamrang sector along the Assam-Mizoram border.

Adding to the woes, the Mizoram Oil Tanker Drivers’ Association (MOTDA) and the Petroleum Entrepreneurs’ and Transporters’ Union of Mizoram (PETUM) has declared that all the oil tankers under its will stop transporting fuel from neighbouring Assam.

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They have also threatened to indefinitely cease work from Tuesday (September 17, 2024) owing to the pathetic road conditions within the Northeastern hill state.

According to the MOTDA and PETUM the condition of the highways has deteriorated so badly that is has become dangerous for the oil tankers to transport fuel.  

As per a press statement released by these organisations, several tankers have been required repairs due to the poor road conditions, significantly raising transportation costs for petrol and diesel.

The prevailing situation has resulted in several tankers getting stranded on the highway which has led to shortages of fuel at the oil stations. Some of them have reportedly also had to shut down.

The move by these organisations is aimed to ensure safety of truck and tanker drivers and as a whole the general public.

Besides shortages of fuel, the state has also being facing shortages of various grocery items.