Bhubaneswar, July 9 -- https://images.odishatv.in/uploadimage/library/16_9/16_9_0/recent_photo_1752045663.webp
A near-total shutdown of petrol pumps across Bhubaneswar on Wednesday left hundreds of commuters stranded, sparking visible frustration during the nationwide Bharat Bandh called by trade unions and farmers' groups.
Notably, no official directive was issued for fuel station closures, either by the trade unions or district authorities, raising questions about the reasons behind the shutdown.
Petrol pump operators across the city clarified they had not received any formal call to close, but cited safety concerns due to picketing and fear of vandalism as the primary reason for halting operations.
According to the Odisha Petrol Pump...