In a much-needed relief to residents and businesses alike, Chandigarh has lifted the temporary restrictions on the sale of petrol and diesel, which were imposed due to a nationwide strike by fuel-tanker drivers. The restrictions, which had caused fuel shortages across the city, were officially lifted on Wednesday after normal fuel supplies were successfully restored.

Fuel Supply Resumes After Nationwide Strike

The nationwide strike by fuel-tanker drivers had led to significant disruptions in the transportation and distribution of petrol and diesel, causing several cities, including Chandigarh, to experience fuel shortages. In response, the District Magistrate of Chandigarh had issued temporary orders capping the sale of fuel to ensure that available stock could be distributed evenly across the city.

However, thanks to coordinated efforts between the Chandigarh Administration, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), and the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana, the fuel supply has been restored. The District Magistrate's office issued a statement confirming the lifting of the restrictions: “The District Magistrate Chandigarh, who had earlier issued directions for capping fuel transactions, hereby withdraws the aforementioned restrictions with immediate effect.”

Business and Commuters Breathe a Sigh of Relief

The lifting of restrictions comes as a major relief to daily commuters, local businesses, and public transportation services, all of whom were hit hard by the limited fuel supply. Petrol pumps had seen long queues as residents scrambled to fill their tanks in anticipation of shortages.

For many, this had caused inconvenience. "It was getting difficult to manage without fuel, especially with my daily commute. I'm glad things are back to normal," said Rajesh Gupta, a Chandigarh resident who relies on his vehicle for his work.

Local businesses, particularly those in sectors like transport, logistics, and delivery services, also expressed relief at the news. "Our operations had been severely affected by the fuel shortage, and now that fuel is available again, we can resume our work without worry," shared a spokesperson from a local logistics company.

Coordinated Efforts Ensure Smooth Resumption

The restoration of fuel supply was made possible due to the combined efforts of Chandigarh’s Administration, oil suppliers, and neighboring states. The fuel-tanker drivers’ strike, which initially disrupted the supply chain, has now been resolved with the involved parties reaching a compromise.

Authorities have reassured the public that measures have been put in place to prevent similar shortages in the future, including better coordination between local and regional stakeholders. "We have been working closely with the OMCs and the states of Punjab and Haryana to ensure that fuel supplies remain consistent and uninterrupted," said a Chandigarh Administration official.

Looking Ahead: Ensuring Smooth Fuel Supply

While the situation has returned to normal, residents and businesses are optimistic that there will be fewer disruptions in the future. Authorities are planning to introduce more robust systems to handle such emergencies effectively, ensuring that essential services and daily commuting are not affected by unforeseen supply chain issues.

As Chandigarh gets back on track with its regular fuel distribution, the city’s residents are hopeful that such disruptions will be kept to a minimum in the future.