Jammu & Kashmir Industries Set to Jolt from Petroleum Strike

This Petroleum Tankers strike is expected to post a major impact on industries operating from the Kashmir valley.

JAMMU: Owners of oil tankers went on an indefinite strike on Sunday and stopped the supply of petroleum products to all depots across the state to protest against the recurring attacks on oil tankers and their drivers in Kashmir Valley. This strike is expected to post a major negative impact on industries operating from the Kashmir valley.

Owners said the supply to security forces had also been suspended and all tankers will remain off roads till the state government provided them with adequate security amidst the widespread unrest in the Valley that had become life threatening for drivers and tanker owners.

“We have stopped the supply of petroleum products to the depots across the state and it will remain suspended till the state government provides us adequate security. Our drivers were mercilessly beaten and two of them suffered fractures in arms while around 35 vehicles have been damaged by unruly mob. We cannot ply our vehicles in the prevailing situation as it has become life threatening for drivers and cleaners,” says Anand Sharma, president of J&K Oil Tankers Association, said.

“We have stopped the loading of tankers from the main depots located in Jammu from where all the supply goes to other parts of the state. Even the supply to security forces has been suspended to send the government a strong message that security of drivers should be ensured at the earliest,” Sharma said.