Despite the Southern Region Bulk LPG Transport Owners’ Association halting operations for the fourth day on Monday, the State-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) said there were no disruptions in the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders to consumers in the State.
“Around 25% of bulk trucks are operating. Deliveries happened even on Sunday. The State government is also aware of the strike. There is no need to panic as all three OMCs have enough stock,” said a senior official of an OMC.
A senior official in the oil industry said the strike by the transporters was an illegal one, and they had approached the High Court. “When they had gone on a strike in March-April, we held discussions with them and agreed to their terms, and only after that was this latest tender floated. Now, they want the old tender to continue, which is uncalled for. This tender is not limited to one State and is applicable to the entire country. It will have larger implications,” he said.
Association president K. Sunderraj said the members had not gone on strike but only stopped work as their contract period had come to an end. Small single truck owners are being affected by a particular tender condition, he clarified, adding that: “We cannot stand mute spectators to that.”
Meanwhile, a distributor said the backlog remained at three to four days, and they were only getting half the required loads. “We are managing supplies with what we are getting. As of now there is no panic booking by consumers,” Mr. Sunderraj added.
Published – October 14, 2025 12:38 am IST
