CNG shortage triggers ‘Rasta Roko’ by auto-rickshaw drivers

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

A shortage of CNG gas led to massive traffic congestion on Jalna Road on Friday morning. Angry over the unavailability of fuel, auto-rickshaw drivers staged a brief Rasta Roko protest to draw the administration’s attention.

Since Thursday night, several gas stations had remained closed, forcing drivers to wait for hours to refuel. Some even stayed at the pumps overnight hoping to get gas. However, as the pumps did not open, their frustration grew, and by morning they launched a protest.

The pump was finally opened around 9 am. Following this, a long queue of auto-rickshaws, stretching nearly two to two-and-a-half kilometres was seen on Jalna Road. The situation caused major inconvenience to commuters heading to work. The police intervened promptly to bring the situation under control and ensured that the pump was opened, after which traffic gradually eased.

Plight of rickshaw drivers

Due to the gas shortage, we are on the verge of starvation. Even after waiting all night at the pump, we were unable to get fuel. Had the administration acted in time, this situation could have been avoided, said rickshaw drivers Sachin Sultane, Krishna Thube, Santosh Asole, and Milind Bharsakhale.