Bhubaneswar, May 8 -- Residents and commuters in Birmaharajpur of Odisha's Sonepur are going through unprecedented difficulties, thanks to fuel shortage in the district. Sources said a petrol pump near Hilung village on the Amarpali road had to be closed for the past three days over the unavailability of petrol and diesel.

According to local residents, the fuel station has completely run out of both petrol and diesel, forcing customers to return without fuel. The closure has affected daily commuters, bike riders, and small vehicle owners who depend on the outlet for regular fuel supply in the area.

People visiting the petrol pump alleged they are now being forced to travel to distant areas in search of fuel due to the prolonged closure ...