Punjab is currently grappling with a severe shortage of diesel and cylinder gas, due to the ongoing farmers' protest. Government sources have confirmed that roadblocks and safety concerns have severely disrupted the supply of diesel and LPG gas in the state, according to a report by the news agency ANI.
The farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march, which commenced on February 13, has caused major disruptions in fuel supply not only in Punjab but also in neighboring Haryana. Chaotic scenes at the Punjab-Haryana border have resulted in a 50 per cent reduction in diesel dispatches and a 20 per cent reduction in gas dispatches to Punjab, as previously reported by ANI.
The protests, spearheaded by farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, aim to pressure the government into addressing their 12 demands. These demands primarily revolve around the implementation of the Swaminathan report, legislation for the minimum support price (MSP), and procurement prices.
In response to the farmers' agitation, petroleum dealers across Punjab announced a statewide shutdown of petrol pumps and fuel stations on February 22. This move came amid calls for an increase in their commission. The announcement triggered panic buying, leading to long queues outside fuel stations in cities like Ludhiana.
Moreover, the dealers decided not to purchase fuel from oil companies on February 15 as part of their protest, further adding the cause to the shortage of fuel across the state.
At the heart of the farmers' demands is the legal assurance of a minimum support price (MSP) to safeguard their livelihoods. They argue that bringing MSP into law can protect farmers' margins and ensure their economic security.
Additionally, farmers seek the dismissal of cases filed against them during the previous protests in 2020-21. Their demands also include pensions for farmers, debt forgiveness, and withdrawal from the World Trade Organisation.
The ongoing protests have attracted around 14,000 individuals to the Delhi-Haryana and Haryana-Punjab borders, accompanied by thousands of vehicles trying to march to the national capital. In view of that, the borders have been heavily fortified with barbed wires, iron nails, and cemented barricades.