Bhubaneswar: Movement of fuel tankers was disrupted as the drivers' strike entered its second day on Wednesday, raising concerns over a petrol and diesel shortage in the state.The state-level petroleum dealers' association said the existing stock would last until Wednesday, and if the strike continued, there might be a fuel shortage from Thursday."Due to the drivers' strike, the movement of fuel tankers has been affected. Since tankers have not reached the fuel stations, the existing stock will be exhausted on Wednesday. From Thursday, a fuel shortage crisis is imminent," said Sanjay Lath, president of the Utkal Petroleum Dealers' Association.Hundreds of tankers were stranded at various checkposts as drivers picketed and asked colleagues to get down from their vehicles and join the strike, sources said.

Additionally, tankers from oil depots at Paradip, Balasore, Jharsuguda and Jatni could not supply fuel to different stations. "Some pumps in interior areas have already reported stocks drying up," Lath added.As the discussions between state govt and driver unions failed to yield a breakthrough, the cease-work strike by drivers would also affect the supply of essential commodities like food grains and vegetables.

"If the drivers' strike continues, the movement of essential goods may come to a standstill," said Rabindra Panda, a trader in Unit I market.In markets across the state, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur and Sambalpur, retailers expressed concern over delayed shipments and increasing transportation costs due to the drivers' strike."Prices of vegetables are already high, and due to the drivers' strike, they have soared further. I am afraid things may become worse and further affect our budgets," said Mandakini Swain, a homemaker.