Bullock carts, once nearly extinct after diesel vehicles became widely used, are making a return across Jharkhand’s Hazaribag district as fuel supply disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict affect vehicle movement and transportation services, reports TOI.
Residents told TOI the shortage has disrupted transportation across almost all blocks of the district, forcing people to depend on traditional modes of transport for carrying construction materials, agricultural produce and essential goods. Bullock carts are now being seen in areas such as Okni, Shivpuri, New Area and Boddom Bazar, where they had nearly vanished over the last two decades.
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Fuel supply issues affect transport services
Several residents claimed that fuel stations in rural areas are either shutting temporarily or exhausting supplies within hours of receiving fresh stock. The shortage has reportedly led to a sharp decline in the movement of private and commercial vehicles across the district.
With tractors and pickup vans remaining off the roads, villagers have increasingly turned to bullock carts for transporting produce and meeting local supply needs.
Monu Pandey, a construction material supplier from Matwari locality, said that most tractors are no longer operating because of the fuel crisis, as per TOI report. He added that suppliers are now using bullock carts to deliver smaller consignments, including 1,000 bricks or limited quantities of stone chips and sand. According to him, the crisis and rising prices are pushing people back towards traditional transport methods.
Residents recall earlier dependence on bullock carts
Locals recalled that until around 2000, bullock carts were commonly used throughout Hazaribag for transporting bricks, sand and stone chips before mechanised vehicles became more widespread.
Commuters also alleged that operators of commercial vehicles have increased fares citing fuel shortages and higher operating costs, adding to travel expenses and disrupting routine movement.
Officials deny fuel scarcity
Masoom Pervej, vice-president of the Jharkhand Petroleum Dealers Association, denied reports of fuel scarcity in the district, reports TOI. He said Hazaribag has around 150 petrol pumps and attributed the situation mainly to panic buying.
Pervej also alleged that some youngsters are purchasing petrol and diesel in bulk and reselling it at higher prices in areas facing supply problems. He said the matter has been reported to the administration.
Sadar SDO Aditya Pandey also maintained that there is no fuel shortage in the district, as reported by TOI. He said he has been regularly inspecting petrol pumps and added that delays in fuel supply at some outlets are creating temporary issues.
