A standoff between tank lorry workers and depot officials of HPCl was resolved following intervention of the district administration.
Protesting the depot officials’ misbehavior, the lorry workers had held a cease work from July 22 last which had led to a halt in loading of fuel from the depot at Somnathpur.
Due to the strike the oil transportation was affected and the filling outlets of Baleswar, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar were running dry.
With the mediation of DSP Amresh Panda, a meeting was held between the agitating workers and company officials, which resulted in an amicable settlement of the deadlock.
As per an agreement, the company’s depot officials and staff members wouldn’t harass the workers of tank lorries during their transaction.
The company would extend due facilities, including subsidized meal at canteen for the workers inside the depots.
It may be noted that the vigilance wing of the HPCl was carrying out checks of the tankers, when it found a tank to be containing 10 litres less fuel. The authorities had blacklisted the lorry, which sparked off a tension. The aggrieved workers had allegedly ransacked the depot in protest. It was alleged a search tower, CCTV and window panes were broken.