Fuel Stations to Observe Partial Shutdown in Odisha on Republic Day

Bhubaneswar: In observance of Republic Day, the majority of fuel stations across Odisha will remain closed on Friday. However, a select few stations will continue to operate, exclusively providing emergency services, according to Sashanka Sahu, the State president of the Petroleum Dealers Association.

This departure from the usual practice comes as a compromise between the association’s initial decision to close all stations for the day, prioritizing the well-being of staff, and the oil companies’ request to keep some stations operational for emergencies.

Sashanka Sahu stated, “Unlike every year, we have decided to open some stations to meet any emergency. We decided to shut all stations across the State in view of the interest of staff, but oil companies requested us to keep some stations open.”

The Petroleum Dealers Association has communicated its decision to the Odisha Chief Secretary. The association highlighted that the staff at petrol pumps receive only two holidays a year, on Independence Day and Republic Day. The decision aims to strike a balance between acknowledging the significance of the national holiday and considering the interests of the employees associated with the fuel stations.