Transportation trunks will be off the roads from tomorrow

To voice their dissatisfaction, the association has decided to pull out the tank trunks off the roads from Monday (February 12) which is bound to effect the supply of bulk LPG in the entire region.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Bhupinder Gujral, executive committee member of The Bulk LPG Transport Contractors Association (Eastern India) said, "For the last 15 years, there has been no issue. Earlier the tender was floated zone wise. The eastern zone comprised West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand. But now they have floated it state wise."

"Secondly, one of the clauses in the new tender says anyone with a demand draft of 1 lakh can apply for tank trunks and also will be given preference over the existing fleet. Thirdly, and most importantly, those vehicles that are registered with the state will be given preference. However, most vehicles are registered with other states – for the eastern region it is Nagaland which will be thrown out of use, " he said.

"This move is bound to effect employment and other subsidiaries attached with it. We had a meeting with the OMCs raising these issues but till now there has been no effective response. That's why we have been forced to take this drastic step," he also added.

Executive committee member of the transport association Ashok Chauraria said, "Tank trunks are specialised vehicles and are meant for carrying LPG only. We have been in this trade for 30 years and have never seen such a sudden move by the others with no thought of the existing industry."

The Bulk LPG Transport Contractors Association (Eastern India) has collectively decided to stay the protest till the OMCs relent to their protests and bring about fruitful changes.