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SAMBALPUR: The fuel crisis panic has not only affected public transport operators but also begun disrupting daily commuters with petrol pumps witnessing unusually heavy rush in Sambalpur city. As a result, several fuel stations within the city are running out of stock, while pumps located along the highways have reportedly started regulating sales to ensure supplies last until the next replenishment. Transport operators caution that the situation, if it persists, could lead to disruption in passenger services across several western Odisha. Around 400 private buses operate daily in Sambalpur district, including nearly 40 night coaches that travel long distances and require higher quantities of diesel. Besides this, regular bus services connect Sambalpur with Rourkela, Balangir, Nuapada, Keonjhar and other districts. Bus owners say nearly half of them operating from Sambalpur refuel at local petrol pumps while the rest depend on fuel stations located along their routes. Although services are normal at present, operators fear continued closure or dry-out of pumps could soon disrupt transportation.

The arrests took place under the Ainthapali police limits. The accused were identified as Bikram Pattnayak, Bikram Pradhan, Lal Mohan Yadav, and Bharat Suna. Police registered case number 138/5 at Ainthapali police station following the seizure. Investigators confirmed that the group had been engaged in arms trafficking, posing a serious threat to public safety. Officers intercepted the suspects and recovered the weapons along with ammunition during the operation. Authorities described the arrests as a significant success in curbing illegal arms circulation in Sambalpur. Police officials emphasised their commitment to dismantling networks that supply firearms to criminal elements. The seized weapons and ammunition will undergo forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation. Police continue to probe the wider network linked to the accused.