More than 300 trucks loaded with raw petroleum coke, or RPC, from IOCL refineries at Guwahati, Digboi and Bongaigaon have been stopped around Serampore and Bakshirhat, according to traders and transporters.
More than 300 trucks loaded with raw petroleum coke, or RPC, from IOCL refineries at Guwahati, Digboi and Bongaigaon have been stopped around Serampore and Bakshirhat, according to traders and transporters. The consignments are bound for calcined petroleum coke (CPC) units in Barauni and other industrial destinations, and are required to pass through Bengal in transit.
Because of the prolonged halt, drivers from several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, said they were facing acute hardship. Many reported shortages of food and drinking water, safety concerns at night and instances of diesel theft.
The association said the trucks were carrying GST-paid consignments supported by IOCL invoices, e-way bills and other valid documents. Transporters said police and GST officials on the ground have only referred to “orders from above” while stopping the vehicles. No written communication has been served specifying the issuing authority, legal provision, reason for detention or process for release, they said. Traders said if there was any violation, authorities should inspect the cargo, seize deficient vehicles or issue formal notices, rather than leave hundreds of trucks immobilised indefinitely. Truck owners said they were incurring daily losses and struggling to meet loan instalments as vehicles remained idle. They said every additional day of stoppage was compounding financial losses for manufacturers, traders, transporters and drivers.
Barauni Calciners Association has sent an SOS to Prime Minister’s Office, seeking urgent intervention after representations to Bengal chief minister’s office, the chief secretary, senior home and finance officials, police authorities and GST officials failed to resolve the matter. Industry representatives warned that disruption in RPC movement could hit production at CPC units, affect downstream industries and disturb the lifting cycle from Assam refineries. The association has urged the Centre to take up the issue with West Bengal at the highest level and ensure immediate movement of all legally documented consignments.