metro india news  I CHANDIGARH

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has completed its highest-ever advance winter stocking operation in Ladakh, supplying more than one lakh kilolitres of petroleum products ahead of the annual winter shutdown, the company said on Tuesday.

Every year, road connectivity to Ladakh remains cut off from December to April due to heavy snowfall at high-altitude mountain passes such as Zojila and Rohtang. To ensure uninterrupted fuel availability during this harsh period, Indian Oil undertakes advance stocking operations before the onset of winter.

The supplies are critical not only for civilian needs but also for meeting the strategic requirements of the Indian Army stationed in the region. Indian Oil’s tanker drivers and field teams operate on one of the most challenging fuel supply routes in the world, covering distances of 1,600 to 2,000 kilometres per trip over a span of 7 to 8 days.

The teams work under extreme conditions, with temperatures plunging to minus 20 degrees Celsius, while navigating heavy snowfall, low oxygen levels, and narrow mountain roads. Logistics are further strained by frequent disruptions on National Highway-44 due to adverse weather, congestion during the Amarnath Yatra, and peak apple transportation season.

This year, the operation faced additional hurdles following a cloudburst in Ramban district on April 20, which triggered flash floods and landslides, temporarily trapping Indian Oil tankers and disrupting traffic on NH-44. Fuel supplies were also maintained during security-related restrictions after the Pahalgam incident on April 22 and during blackout conditions.

Indian Oil Chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney interacted with tanker drivers to acknowledge their dedication and boost morale. He said the company’s motto, “Pehle Indian, Phir Oil,” underscores its commitment to national service.

With this record operation, Indian Oil has reinforced its role in ensuring fuel security in some of India’s most remote and demanding regions.