Transporters of essentials, including oxygen tankers, are staring at a labour crisis as their workers have begun migrating from urban hubs. They have sought toll relief and priority vaccination of their staff to sustain their business. 

“There is no denial to the fact that there is ground harassment at state gateposts. Even though essentials have been allowed to ferry, vehicles are detained for a long time at entry and exit points of states and face trouble, leading to many drivers and staff opting to migrate back till things stabilise,” said a lorry driver.