More than 300 trucks carrying raw petroleum coke from Indian Oil Corporation refineries in Assam to industrial units in Bihar have been stranded at the Assam-West Bengal border for over a fortnight, with traders and transporters alleging that the vehicles are being denied passage without a written order or stated legal reason.
The trucks are reportedly being held around Srirampur and Bakshirhat while carrying consignments from IOCL refineries at Guwahati, Digboi and Bongaigaon to calcination units in Barauni and other industrial destinations. The vehicles need to pass through West Bengal in transit.
The Barauni Calciners Association has written to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking intervention. The association said its representations to the West Bengal Chief Minister’s Office, the chief secretary, senior home and finance officials, police authorities and GST officials had not resolved the issue.
According to the association, the consignments are supported by IOCL invoices, e-way bills and other valid documents, and GST has been paid on them. Traders and transporters said police and GST officials at the border had referred to “orders from above” while stopping the vehicles, but had not provided written communication identifying the issuing authority, the legal provision being applied, the reason for detention or the process for release.
The traders said that if the authorities found any violation, they should inspect the cargo, seize vehicles that did not meet requirements or issue formal notices instead of leaving the trucks immobilised indefinitely. The allegations and the request for intervention were reported by the Barauni Calciners Association and cited by traders and transporters; the report did not include a written order from West Bengal authorities explaining the stoppage.
Drivers from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh told the association they were facing shortages of food and drinking water, safety concerns at night and instances of diesel theft during the prolonged halt. Truck owners said they were incurring daily losses and finding it difficult to meet loan instalments while their vehicles remained idle.
Raw petroleum coke, or RPC, is a by-product of petroleum refining. The Barauni Calciners Association said it is distinct from coal and is used as the principal raw material for calcined petroleum coke, which in turn is used in aluminium smelting and graphite electrode manufacturing. Barauni in Begusarai district is a major production hub for calcined petroleum coke.
Industry representatives warned that a prolonged interruption could affect CPC production, downstream industrial users and the regular lifting cycle from Assam’s refineries. They said the stoppage was increasing losses for manufacturers, traders, transporters and drivers with each additional day.
The association has asked the Centre to take up the matter with West Bengal at the highest level and ensure the movement of consignments carrying valid documentation. The immediate outcome will depend on whether the state authorities issue a formal explanation or allow the detained trucks to proceed.
