Truckers’ Protest Over Hit-and-Run Law Triggers Fuel Pump Rush

Fuel pumps in several states experience long queues as panic buying ensues due to concerns over the ongoing truckers’ protest against the impending criminal code. Protests erupt in various states, including Bihar, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, opposing high penalties for hit-and-run accidents in the upcoming Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The new law, set to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, imposes severe penalties, with hit-and-run cases potentially leading to up to 10 years in jail and a ₹7 lakh fine. Truckers and commercial vehicle operators express concerns about their ability to pay such hefty fines in the event of accidents, labeling the new law as detrimental to their livelihood.

Participating in the protest are fuel tanker drivers, leading to a fuel crisis in several cities. Petrol pump dealers in Aurangabad warn of potential dry pumps, while similar concerns arise in other urban centers. The strike also impacts the tourism sector in Himachal, where cab operators join the protest. The unrest extends to various states, with road blockades, attacks on law enforcement, and disruptions in transportation services.

Protesters voice their grievances, emphasizing the financial burden imposed by the new law. They call for amendments to the penal provisions, seeking a reduction in the proposed 10-year prison term for errant drivers. The truckers’ strike prompts fears of an extended fuel crisis and disruptions in essential supplies if the protest persists.