Dispute Between Transporters and Local Operators Disrupts Supply of Polypropylene from HMEL Refinery

A contentious issue has emerged between transporters and local truck operators in Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda, affecting the supply of polypropylene from Hindustan Petroleum-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) Refinery. The refinery, situated between Talwandi Sabo and Rama Mandi towns, generates approximately Rs 25,000 crore in taxes, excise, and GST annually, with the Punjab government receiving over Rs 2,100 crore per year.

The problem arose after the commencement of the petrochemical plant and ethanol plant, established with an investment of over Rs 20,000 crore in late 2023. The petrochemical unit produces polypropylene, pet coke, sulphur, kerosene, petrol, and diesel. While liquid products are supplied to HPCL through underground pipelines, pet coke, and sulphur are transported via trains or local operators. The supply of polypropylene, which is sent to various parts of the country in containers, has become the primary point of contention.

Before the petrochemical unit’s inception, around 150 trucks were engaged in supplying various products from the refinery, with local truck operators having a significant share in the transportation business. However, when the petrochemical unit began operations, HMEL invited tenders for transportation, and 21 transporters were authorized to supply polypropylene. Local truck operators from the Talwandi Sabo assembly constituency have been demanding permission to supply polypropylene, along with pet coke, sulphur, and other products, including maize for the ethanol plant.

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The authorized transporters have objected to this demand, alleging that they are being prevented from working in a congenial atmosphere and that local truck operators are forcibly stopping their vehicles from entering the refinery premises to load polypropylene. On July 10, 21 transporters met with the Bathinda SSP and filed a complaint, stating that they were being harassed and their drivers were not allowed to take their vehicles inside the unit to load various products.

The transporters claimed that local truck operators are trying to create a narrative of “big transporters vs small” and “outsider vs local,” and that they are not big transporters but have secured the business through a transparent process, depositing earnest money and investing in infrastructure. Some of the transporters are even from Bathinda itself.

In response, Talwandi Sabo Local Truck Operators Union president Gurlabh Singh stated that they are small transporters with over 700 trucks and have suffered environmental issues. They are willing to purchase closed containers over time and want nearly 30% of the business to be done through open-body trucks. Singh alleged that big transporters, mainly outsiders, often hire trucks from outside but do not give business to local operators. The union has sought time from the chief minister to air their grievances.

Bathinda SSP Deepak Pareek has assured that DSP Talwandi Sabo is investigating the matter. The dispute has resulted in the disruption of nearly half of the transportation of polypropylene, causing inconvenience to suppliers and affecting the overall business operations of the refinery. A resolution to this issue is essential to ensure a peaceful working atmosphere and an unhindered supply of products from the HMEL Refinery.

Source By:- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/