Trinath & Vikramaditya
Mayabunder, October 10: The Mayabunder region in North Andaman experienced petrol rationing today as the local petrol pump was compelled to limit fuel sales. The rationing was prompted by a combination of factors, including delayed fuel deliveries and fear over break in fuel supply due to deteriorating condition of the roads.
Similar to the scenes witnessed earlier in Diglipur, Mayabunder saw a surge of residents flocking to the petrol pump throughout the day, fearing a potential disruption in fuel supply due to the worsening condition of the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR). The supply route has raised alarm bells recently, with the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) official expressing concerns about the safety of drivers and cleaners tasked with transporting fuel to North and Middle Andaman.
The situation escalated when a letter, similar to the one that went viral in Diglipur, circulated in Mayabunder, further fueling panic among residents. Large crowds rushed to the petrol pump, resulting in the sale of nearly 6,000 liters of petrol by midday, compared to the usual daily average of about 2,000 liters.
In response to the shortfall and the delay in fuel tank arrivals, the petrol pump implemented rationing measures starting at 3 PM. Two-wheelers were limited to purchasing Rs. 200 worth of petrol, while four-wheelers were restricted to Rs. 400 to Rs. 500 worth of fuel.
Authorities at the petrol pump, however, assured residents that there was no cause for panic. They emphasized that fuel deliveries were still occurring regularly, with today’s delay attributed to a traffic jam on the Andaman Trunk Road caused by its deteriorating condition.
As per our correspondent similar scene panic buying of fuel was also witnessed in Nimbutala region of Middle Andaman. This is high time for Administration to interfere and take some measures to make NH4 motorable and safe for transportation.
