Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 01 August 2023
Great Nicobar Island, finds itself grappling with a diesel crisis once again, causing distress to its residents. The lone fuel station on the island, managed by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO), has completely run dry of diesel, leading to the suspension of diesel supply to the general public for several days now.
Presently, the fuel station is rationing its remaining diesel supply and catering exclusively to departmental vehicles. This practice of prioritizing government vehicles during fuel shortages has been observed each time any island within the Nicobar District faces a fuel crisis.
Residents and businesses on Great Nicobar Island have long expressed their frustration over the recurring fuel scarcity and the detrimental impact it has on the local economy. They question the government’s response to these crises and call for better planning and management of fuel stocks, especially on isolated islands.
“Why do we have to wait until our fuel completely depletes before ordering more?” asks one concerned resident, urging authorities to be proactive in ensuring a continuous fuel supply.
The fuel crisis not only disrupts daily life for the general public but also poses significant challenges to businesses that rely on fuel for their operations. While the general public struggles to access fuel, government employees continue to use their air-conditioned vehicles, with no restrictions imposed even during fuel shortages. Furthermore, government vehicles are sometimes even used for personal purposes by government employees, aggravating the situation for the island’s residents.
In light of the prevailing crisis, some residents demand that restrictions be placed on government vehicles as well. They propose that only emergency vehicles should be granted fuel, strictly for essential purposes, and not for personal use during such times.
To compound the issue, the ship carrying the much-needed diesel to Great Nicobar Island is currently docked at the Port Blair port and is still being loaded. The vessel is expected to take a few more days before setting sail for Great Nicobar. As a result, the diesel shortage is anticipated to persist for at least another week.
Amid the scarcity of diesel, the availability of petrol on the island remains unaffected, providing some respite to those who rely on petrol-driven vehicles.
The local authorities are urged to address the diesel crisis promptly, ensuring that adequate fuel reserves are maintained to prevent future shortages that inflict hardship on the island’s residents and businesses alike.
As the Great Nicobar Island awaits the arrival of the diesel-carrying vessel, the community remains hopeful for a swift resolution to the fuel crisis that has once again cast a shadow on their daily lives.