The ongoing geopolitical developments have raised concerns across the transport and logistics sector, particularly around fuel availability and supply chain continuity. However, industry leaders maintain that the situation remains under control, with no reason for alarm.
“At this stage, there is no need for panic. We are seeing some disruptions and imbalances, but the overall system is holding steady,” says Mr. Ashok Goyal, National President, AITWA. (All India Transporters Welfare Association) “What is important is that all stakeholders stay aligned and avoid reacting to rumours or isolated incidents,” Mr. Goyal added.
Recent reports of diesel shortages were largely limited to specific industrial regions and driven by temporary demand distortions. The gap between industrial and retail diesel prices led bulk buyers to source fuel from retail outlets, creating short-term pressure at select pumps. With timely intervention from authorities and oil marketing companies, the situation has largely stabilised.
AITWA, meanwhile, has taken a measured stance, validating feedback from its nationwide network before issuing any communication. This approach has helped contain panic and ensure that operations continue without disruption.
Operational Pressures and Industry Adjustments
Even as fuel availability improves, transporters are facing tighter working capital conditions. With oil companies moving towards stricter cash transactions, dealers have curtailed credit, directly impacting transporters’ liquidity. “The challenge today is more about liquidity than availability,” says Mr. Abhishek Gupta, Secretary, AITWA. “Transporters are required to pay upfront for fuel, while payments from customers are often delayed. Clearing overdue dues can significantly ease the pressure.”
At the same time, reduced industrial output in certain regions has disrupted cargo flows. Trucks heading into manufacturing hubs are facing delays in securing return loads, leading to inefficiencies and higher operating costs. This imbalance has resulted in selective freight rate corrections across key routes.
Despite these pressures, the industry is adapting. AITWA has encouraged transporters to optimise routes, improve load planning and engage with customers for temporary rate adjustments. Encouragingly, some customers have acknowledged the situation and extended partial support.
Maintaining Balance Without Disruption
The impact of the current scenario varies across regions. While industrial belts in North and parts of South India are witnessing slower movement, markets like Maharashtra continue to see steady activity due to consistent import demand. “We are seeing certain lanes where vehicles are getting held up due to lack of return cargo,” Mr. Goyal explains. “But this is a temporary imbalance, not a systemic issue.”
Operational challenges such as longer transit times and delays in repairs due to limited availability of industrial gases are also being reported. However, these remain manageable and are not expected to escalate into broader disruptions. “The idea is to keep the system moving through practical adjustments,” Mr. Gupta adds. “Even partial support from customers helps maintain continuity across the supply chain.”
A Collective Approach for Stability
AITWA continues to stay in close touch with government authorities, sharing real-time feedback and ensuring alignment between policy and ground realities. At the same time, the association has been careful to avoid amplifying unverified concerns. “Our responsibility is to present the correct picture without creating unnecessary panic,” Mr. Gupta emphasizes.
Looking ahead, industry leaders expect the current phase of adjustment to continue for the next one to two months as supply chains gradually rebalance. Even so, the overall sentiment remains constructive. “This is a time for coordination and discipline,” Mr. Goyal concludes. “If we stay aligned as an industry, there is no reason why supply chains cannot continue to function smoothly.”