Petrol dealers to decide closure of pumps on Sundays next week

Shivani Bhakoo
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, August 3
Sore over the lackadaisical approach of the Centre and oil agencies in not increasing the commission, the Petrol Pump Dealers’ Association has decided to shut fuel stations on Sundays. A meeting in this regard will be held next week and the exact date from when the closures will take place will be announced.
Talking to The Tribune, Ashok Sachdeva, president, Petrol Pump Dealers Association, said the dealers were sore over the Centre and oil agencies dilly dallying regarding the commission issue.
“The oil agencies cannot decide anything on their own. The government has to give a green signal if any decision is to be taken by the oil companies. But the government is shrugging off its responsibility. The message we are receiving is that the entire issue is for the oil agencies and the dealers to settle, that the government has no role in it. We are perturbed as our commission, despite several attempts, has not been increased for long,” Sachdeva rued.
He added that the dealers’ demand was simple that the commission be increased when the fuel rates are hiked and vice versa. The dealers said after struggling for eight years — to have the commission increased — to no avail, they had now decided to shut the pumps every Sunday in protest.
“The dealers had also sent a representation to the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gases but since, back then, the General Election was on the cards, nothing could be done. However, now, even after the formation of the new government, no decision is being taken by the authorities,” Sachdeva said. At present, the dealers are getting a commission of Rs 2.25 on diesel and Rs 3.30 on petrol (per litre).