Farmers threaten tractor protest over diesel shortage in Gujarat’s Ranavav

Farmers in Porbandar’s Ranavav taluka in Gujarat have threatened to line up nearly 500 tractors outside the collector’s office if diesel supply is not restored within 48 hours amid what they described as an artificial fuel shortage in the region.

The shortage has triggered unrest among farmers ahead of the sowing season, with allegations that while petrol pumps have displayed “no stock” boards, diesel continues to be available in the black market at inflated prices.

Farmers claimed they were being forced to stand in queues from as early as 3 am, yet many managed to receive barely 10 litres of diesel by afternoon.

According to them, the limited quantity is insufficient even for transportation between villages and agricultural fields.

The fuel shortage has also reportedly led to a sharp rise in tractor hiring charges.

Farmers said tractor operators, citing diesel scarcity, had increased ploughing rates from around ₹500 to ₹850, while many tractor owners were refusing to take vehicles to farms due to lack of fuel availability.

Agricultural workers expressed concern that delays in field preparation and sowing could severely affect the upcoming farming season.

The Congress city committee has submitted a memorandum to the mamlatdar demanding immediate intervention in the matter.

The memorandum called for withdrawal of the alleged price hike, assured supply of at least 100 litres of diesel to farmers against 7/12 land ownership documents, deployment of police personnel at petrol pumps and strict action, including imprisonment, against alleged black marketeers.

Farmers warned that if adequate diesel supply is not ensured within 48 hours, around 500 tractors would be brought to the collector’s office in protest.