Punjab is facing a major fuel crisis due to ongoing farmers protests, with supplies of diesel and cooking gas badly affected by road blockades and safety issues.According to government sources, the Delhi Chalo farmers march has disrupted fuel supply lines between Punjab and Haryana. Chaotic situations at the interstate border have cut diesel dispatches by 50% and gas dispatches by 20% to Punjab.Farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have been demonstrating since mid-February, pressing demands related to minimum support prices, procurement and the Swaminathan Commission report.The crisis intensified as Punjabs petroleum dealers went on a statewide strike on February 22, seeking higher commissions. Long queues were seen at fuel stations in cities like Ludhiana, amid panic buying.Dealers had earlier decided against purchasing fuel from companies starting February 15, impacting supply.Among their key demands, farmers want legal guarantees on minimum support prices to safeguard incomes. They also seek withdrawal of cases from previous protests, debt relief, pensions and exiting the WTO.Around 14,000 people have gathered at Delhi-Haryana and Haryana-Punjab borders, showing solidarity with the protesting farmers.The fuel supply disruptions have compounded challenges for Punjabs public during the tense protests. With talks stalled, a quick resolution is crucial to restore normalcy.
