Fuel Shortage Occurs Due to Truck Strike
Unusual Scenes on Social Media Amid India's Fuel Shortage
A food delivery worker in India has become a sensation after being seen riding a horse on the road, unable to endure fuel shortages and severe traffic congestion.
On the 3rd (local time), British daily The Guardian and Indian local media News24 reported the story of a delivery worker roaming the busy streets of Hyderabad in southern India. The video released with the article showed the delivery worker carrying a bright red delivery bag with the company name clearly visible, riding a horse instead of a motorcycle on the road.
The delivery worker calmed down startled citizens by waving his hand and explained why he had to ride a horse. In a social media video, the delivery worker claimed, "I couldn't find gasoline to use for the motorcycle. I waited in line for three hours but did not receive any gasoline," explaining the unavoidable circumstances that led him to ride a horse.
As the video of the delivery worker on horseback spread, good news came his way. The Times of India reported that a Telangana state-affiliated organization decided to give the man a 10,000 rupee (about 150 USD) encouragement fund. The delivery worker said, "I never expected something like this to happen," adding, "I have elderly parents to take care of, and I was just working hard to repay a loan I took for my wedding."
Earlier, on the 1st, a new law imposing heavy fines and up to 10 years imprisonment for hit-and-run accidents was passed in India, prompting truck drivers to strike in protest. Participants in the strike blocked major roads in western India. Especially, with tanker drivers joining the strike, most gas stations in at least eight states including Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra saw car and motorcycle drivers rushing to buy fuel all day, causing long queues. After authorities announced they would discuss the law with truck drivers before proceeding, the strike was soon called off, but the aftermath caused fuel shortages.
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