Petrol pumps to remain shut today; Kejriwal blames BJP

New Delhi, October 21

Petrol pumps, along with linked compressed natural gas (CNG) stations, in the national capital will remain closed on Monday to protest against the Delhi government’s not agreeing to the demand of reducing Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuels.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal blamed the BJP for the move “BJP-sponsored” and adding that people of the capital will give a proper reply in next year’s Lok Sabha elections.

"Petrol pump owners hv told us privately that this is a BJP sponsored strike, actively supported by oil cos. In fact, BJP has thrust it upon petrol pump owners. People will give BJP a befitting reply in elections for continuously inconveniencing people thro their dirty politics (sic),” Kejriwal tweeted.

The Delhi Petrol Dealers Association (DPDA) announced the decision stating that there are around 400 petrol pumps in Delhi which also have linked CNG stations and all of them will remain closed for nearly 24 hours in protest from 6 am onwards on October 22 and remain closed till 5 am on October 23.

DPDA president Nischal Singhania said, “The Centre had slashed the rate of petrol and diesel by Rs 2.50 per litre each on September 4. This was followed by reduction of VAT by various states including neighbouring Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, bringing relief to their residents. But, the Delhi government refused to reduce VAT, resulting in fuel becoming more expensive than bordering Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.”

Due to this, he said, customers are deserting the petrol pumps in the capital leading to huge drop in sales. The loss is more this being the festive season when sale generally peaks up.

According the DPDA, there has been a sharp decline of 50-60 per cent in sale of diesel and 25 per cent in petrol in this quarter. The DPDA urged the Delhi government to reduce VAT on fule and encourage commuters to buy euro VI fuel and save the livelihood of employees and owners of petrol pumps of Delhi and also save state’s revenue loss. — TNS