SAMBALPUR: The ongoing fuel crisis, particularly the shortage of diesel in Sambalpur, has not only affected public transport but also hit agricultural operations and infrastructure projects across the district.
While farmers are struggling to procure fuel for mechanised farm work, contractors report disruptions in construction activities due to inadequate diesel supplies at fuel stations.
Sources said with harvesting of rabi crops underway and preparations for the upcoming kharif season gaining pace, demand for diesel-powered harvesters, tractors and power tillers has risen sharply. Farmers across several areas have reportedly been making repeated visits to fuel stations in search of diesel, fearing delays in harvesting and field preparation if the shortage continues.
Farmers in many parts of the district have also expressed concern over restrictions on dispensing fuel in containers. Since taking tractors and power tillers to fuel stations is often impractical, farmers largely depend on carrying diesel to their fields. They have urged the administration to introduce a mechanism to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply for agricultural purposes.
Amiya Marei, a farmer from Sindurpank, said, “Rabi paddy procurement has already commenced, and farmers are eager to harvest their standing crops and transport the produce to mandis. However, many harvester operators are unable to deploy their machines due to the diesel shortage. Those who have managed to secure fuel have increased their harvesting charges from around Rs 2,500 to Rs 2,700 per hour to offset higher fuel costs, adding to the burden on farmers.”
The shortage has also started affecting infrastructure development works in the district. Sources associated with the ongoing expansion of the Sambalpur-Sonepur state highway said construction activity has remained largely suspended for the past few days because of difficulties in procuring adequate diesel. Heavy machinery deployed at project sites, including excavators, pavers and road rollers, consumes large quantities of fuel and cannot be operated efficiently with the limited quantities currently available at retail outlets.
However, district supply authorities maintained that diesel stocks were available in the district and stated that instructions had been issued to fuel stations to maintain adequate reserves to meet emergency requirements. On Tuesday, Sambalpur collector Siddeshwar Baliram Bondar convened a review meeting with sales officers of major oil marketing companies (OMCs), petrol pump owners and civil supplies officials to assess the availability of diesel and petrol in the district.
During the meeting, the collector directed OMCs to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply to retail outlets and advised petrol pump operators to discourage panic buying by informing consumers that there was no shortage of fuel. The administration also warned against unfair trade practices and stated that strict action would be taken against violators.
