Uninterrupted LPG supply assured amid transporters’ strike, public urged not to panic

The oil marketing companies (IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL) have reassured LPG consumers that there will be no disruption in the supply of cooking gas despite the ongoing strike by bulk LPG transporters affiliated with the Southern Region Bulk LPG Transport Owners Association.

Consumers are urged not to panic as adequate bulk LPG stocks are available at bottling plants, and LPG distributorships continue to operate as usual,” said a statement from Indian Oil Corporation, issued on behalf of the State Level Coordinator for the Oil Industry – Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The recent transportation tender, which has become a point of contention, was finalised after extensive consultations with transporters across regions. Multiple pre-bid meetings were conducted in key cities, including Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Guwahati, to address their concerns. The tender terms were formulated transparently in compliance with government and statutory guidelines, including those from PESO, PNGRB, and OISD, to ensure enhanced public safety.

A section of transporters has called for a strike, primarily opposing penalty clauses related to safety violations. However, OMCs stress that these measures are essential for a safer and more reliable LPG transportation network, benefiting all stakeholders, including tanker owners, drivers, and consumers, it added.

OMCs are in constant dialogue with the major transporters to resolve the issue swiftly and have appealed to striking transporters to withdraw their protest to prevent any inconvenience to the public.

Consumers are advised to remain assured that all necessary steps are in place to ensure the seamless distribution of LPG cylinders across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Over 5,500 LPG tanker lorries in the southern region have gone on an indefinite strike from Thursday, demanding the withdrawal of new tender regulations.