Gulf Oil India Launches Major Drive To Vaccinate 10,000 Truck Drivers

Gulf Oil India has launched a new campaign, pledging to vaccinate more than 10,000 truckers across the country against COVID-19. A part of the company's 'Gulf Superfleet Suraksha Bandhan' initiative, the oil company has arranged vaccination drives in 11 different transport hubs across India, covering major cities like - New Delhi, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Indore, Karnal and Baddi. The drive is being conducted from August 6 to August 22, 2021, and on the spot registration is available.

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Gulf Oil India's vaccination drive is being conducted from August 6 to August 22, 2021

Talking about the initiative, Ravi Chawla, MD & CEO, Gulf Oil Lubricants India said, "Since the pandemic, our trucking community has been on the roads, risking their lives, to address the demand and supply of the nation. As a brand, we have always recognised their role in supporting our economy and country. We initiated the Suraksha Bandhan campaign to express our gratitude for their selflessness and sheer courage in times of need. Through this vaccination drive, our aim is to provide easy access to vaccines, contribute to their safety for their and our country's wellbeing."

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The company claims that more than 40 per cent of truck drivers in India are not vaccinated even with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine

Gulf Oil India states that truckers are providing their services as diligently as frontline workers, ensuring delivery of essentials and medical supplies including oxygen tanks, cylinders, and medical aid even during the most challenging times of this pandemic. However, their own safety has taken a backseat. The company claims that more than 40 per cent of truck drivers in India are not vaccinated even with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine because of various reasons like being continuously on the move, no availability of smartphones or no knowledge of how to register etc.

As per a recent study conducted by Gulf Oil in association with HANSA Research, out of 406 truck driver respondents, 65 per cent needed technical assistance to book their slots while 54 per cent faced challenges to find vaccine slots because of the constant commute that their profession dictates. Furthermore, close to 40 per cent showed a lack of awareness and knowledge about how and where to get the vaccine.