LPG tanker owners announce indefinite strike from May 27 over new tender rules

Demanding the scrapping of the new tender rules, the Southern Region Bulk LPG Transport Owners’ Association has announced an indefinite strike from May 27.

Demanding the scrapping of the new tender rules, the Southern Region Bulk LPG Transport Owners’ Association has announced an indefinite strike from May 27.

Addressing mediapersons in Namakkal on Wednesday (March 26, 2025), association president K. Sundarrajan said the association includes 5,514 LPG tanker lorries owned by transporters from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry. These lorries transport liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the oil refineries of companies such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, to bottling plants where cylinders are refilled.

Tenders for bulk carriers are floated once every five years, with the current agreement period set to end on August 31. “The oil marketing companies invited tenders from March 1 to April 15 for 3,478 bulk carriers, whereas currently, 5,514 bulk carriers are in operation,” he said. He pointed out that this would result in 2,036 lorries losing their contracts, leading to job losses for drivers, and affecting the entire industry.

Mr. Sundarrajan further stated that the new tenders were floated for 21-tonne capacity tankers, whereas 80% of the tankers currently in operation are of 18-tonne capacity. “Only those who purchase 21-tonne capacity tankers will be awarded the contract,” he said, emphasising that these norms had caused panic among tanker owners.

Mr. Sundarrajan said their concerns were raised during a meeting with the companies on March 19, after which they were given time until March 24 to propose amendments to the new contract terms. “Since there has been no outcome so far, LPG tanker lorries will begin an indefinite strike from 6 a.m. on May 27 across South India,” he said.

He clarified that there would be no loading or unloading, and lorries would be parked safely in available spaces. “Until our demands are met, our indefinite strike will continue,” he said.