NAMAKKAL: Supply of LPG cylinders may face disruptions in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry as LPG tanker truck owners have announced an indefinite strike from Thursday (March 27). Around 4,000 LPG tankers opted to stop operations following unsuccessful negotiations with oil companies about new contract regulations.
The strike might result in a shortage of both domestic and commercial cylinders in southern states.
Southern Region Bulk LPG Tanker Owners Association (SRBLPGTOA) president Sundarrajan told reporters in Namakkal that around 4,000 trucks transport gas from ports to the bottling facilities of oil companies — Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum — in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry. Recently, the oil companies introduced new contract regulations for 2025-30, which ban the use of two-axle trucks and permit only three-axle trucks.
Sundararajan said the new contract regulations had introduced several limitations, including a penalty of Rs 20,000 for not having an alternate driver or cleaner. Additionally, trucks involved in any minor accidents would be barred from participating in the tender process for three years.
He said, “We have conducted three rounds of discussions with the oil companies, but no agreement has been reached. Therefore, we have decided to initiate an indefinite strike in the southern region starting March 27. This action will lead to a shortage of LPG cylinders in five states and in the Union territory of Puducherry.”
He mentioned that tanker truck owners from across the country would join the strike. “We are taking this step to prevent job losses. The strike will persist until the oil companies willingly engage in negotiations,” he said.