Hazaribag: Bullock carts, once pushed to the margins by mechanised transport, seem to be making a comeback in Hazaribag district, thanks to fuel supply disruption in the wake of the West Asia conflict.With many fuel stations finding it difficult to maintain supply, many are turning to the traditional mode to ferry construction materials, agricultural produce and even meet small transport needs. Bullock carts are being spotted in localities such as Okni, Shivpuri, New Area and Boddom Bazar — areas where they had nearly disappeared over the past two decades.Fuel shortage has affected almost all blocks, with private and commercial vehicle movement declining sharply. Residents said that several fuel pumps in rural pockets are either shut or running out of stocks within hours of receiving fresh supplies. With tractors and pickup vehicles off the roads, villagers have begun relying on bullock carts to move produce and essential supplies.Monu Pandey, a construction material supplier from Matwari locality, said, “Most tractors are off the roads because of the fuel crisis. To meet customer demand, we are using bullock carts for smaller orders such as 1,000 bricks or 10 tins of stone chips or sand. This fuel crisis coupled with rise in prices are pushing us back to the era of bullock carts again.”Residents recalled that till around 2000, bullock carts were widely used across Hazaribag for transporting bricks, sand and stone chips.Many commuters also alleged that operators of commercial vehicles have hiked fares citing scarcity and rising costs, adding to the burden on commuters and affecting routine travel.Masoom Pervej, vice-president of the Jharkhand Petroleum Dealers Association, said that the district has 150 petrol pumps but ruled out fuel scarcity. “Panic buying at many places is the main problem. Also, several youngsters, who purchase petrol and diesel in bulk, are selling it at high rates in areas where people are facing problems. We have informed the administration in this regard,” he added.Sadar SDO Aditya Pandey too said there is no fuel scarcity in the district. “I am regularly inspecting pumps. At many pumps they aren’t getting timely supply, which is creating some issues,” he said.