Guwahati: The North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMZ), under its NRL unit, has suspended the movement of fuel tankers from Assam to Meghalaya, citing concerns over the safety of Assam-registered drivers, transport workers and vehicles amid the prevailing tensions in the neighbouring state.
The decision means tankers carrying petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Assam to Meghalaya will remain off the roads until further notice. The union has also stopped loading and unloading operations in Meghalaya following reports of unrest in different parts of the state.
NEPMZ said the suspension would continue until the Meghalaya government takes effective steps to ensure the safety of Assam-registered vehicles, including tourist vehicles, and restores normalcy. The union has also sought strict action against those allegedly involved in incidents of violence and harassment.
NEPMZ general secretary Ramen Deka said the move was primarily intended to protect drivers, transport workers and petroleum consignments.
“Since petroleum products are highly flammable, this decision has been taken to ensure the safety of both vehicles and goods,” Deka said.
Deka said the union could reconsider its decision if the situation improves. However, he added that members were currently unwilling to transport petroleum products to Meghalaya due to the security concerns.
The suspension could affect the supply of petrol, diesel and LPG in Meghalaya, which relies significantly on tanker movement from Assam. A prolonged disruption could put pressure on fuel availability at retail outlets and affect transportation and other sectors dependent on petroleum products.
The development comes amid heightened tensions between Assam and Meghalaya following violence and protests in Shillong involving Assam-registered vehicles. The situation has prompted concerns among drivers, transport operators and passengers travelling between the two states.
The NEPMZ decision adds another challenge to the movement of essential commodities between Assam and Meghalaya and is likely to increase pressure on authorities to address security concerns and facilitate the safe movement of vehicles and petroleum products.
Authorities will now have to balance the safety concerns raised by transport workers with the need to maintain uninterrupted supplies of essential fuel products to Meghalaya.