NOC engages in talks to resolve petroleum tanker drivers' strike

KATHMANDU: Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatta, the managing director of Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), announced that a meeting is scheduled today at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies to address the ongoing strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association. He expressed hope that some resolutions might be reached by this evening as discussions with the protesting parties have already commenced.

The strike, initiated by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association over a seven-point demand, has led to long queues at petrol pumps throughout the Valley due to the halted transportation of petroleum products since Monday. This situation has worsened the existing shortage, despite petroleum products being categorized as essential services under the Essential Services Operation Act, 2014, and the Essential Commodities Control (Authorization) Act, 2017, which prohibit strikes in these sectors.

The association contends that tanker drivers have been forced to work without necessary service benefits from the NOC for an extended period. They argue that their repeated requests for resolution have been ignored, leaving them with no choice but to resort to protest. Their demands, aligned with labor laws, include the issuance of appointment letters to all tanker drivers and co-drivers, and salary arrangements according to government regulations.

Additional demands from the association include the cancellation of double bank guarantees and annual renewals applied only in self-employment cases, their inclusion in the Social Security Fund, proper management of temperature regulations, provision of risk allowances for drivers and co-drivers, and safety alert training every three months. These demands were formally communicated to the NOC on June 11, with the association outlining their protest plan.

The protest plan began with drivers wearing black armbands on June 14, displaying black flags on their vehicles on June 16, and ultimately halting work and handing over vehicle keys to tanker owners on June 17 if their demands were not addressed. The association maintains that these measures are necessary to ensure their rights and improve their working conditions.