By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 8: The North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union halted the supply of petrol and diesel to petrol pumps in Shillong on Saturday in protest against the no-entry restrictions imposed within the city.
Since April, the union has been pressing the East Khasi Hills administration to lift the no-entry rule, which has been in place from 1 pm to 5 pm at Lad Smit, causing significant delays and harassment for tanker crews. Recently, the union reiterated their demands to the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner (DC), threatening to stop loading and unloading petroleum products, including LPG cylinders, from June 8 if their demands were not met.
In response, the East Khasi Hills DC issued a communication on Friday allowing oil and gas tankers/trucks to enter Shillong City under certain conditions. Tankers are now permitted to operate from 10 am to 1 pm and after 4 pm to avoid peak school traffic hours. Additionally, tankers must follow a phased approach to prevent traffic congestion and are required to use the Shillong Bypass road, avoiding the Umiam Bridge due to ongoing repairs.
A state government official emphasised that resolving this issue falls under the DC’s jurisdiction due to its implications for law and order.
Despite the protest, petrol pump owners in Shillong assured that there is sufficient fuel stock to last until Monday. They noted that nearly half of the petrol pumps in the city would still be able to meet public demand even on Tuesday.