NEW DELHI:
Petrol pumps
across Rajasthan on Sunday went on a
strike
to press for a
reduction
of
VAT rates
and other demands. The strike which began at 6am will go on till March 12.
Visuals shared on social media show Jaipur fuel pumps wearing a deserted look.
The decision of strike was taken by Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association (RPDA) at a meeting held on Friday.
RPDA has been demanding reduction in VAT rates and abolition of “forced” sale of
lube oil
and premium products at fuel stations in the state. Office-bearers of RPDA in all the districts took part in the meeting held virtually and unanimously decided to keep their fuel stations closed as a mark of protest.
During the strike, no dealer of petrol and diesel in the state will neither purchase petroleum products nor sell any at their petrol pumps, as per RPDA’s decision. “On Monday, the striking pump owners will gather at Statue Circle in Jaipur at 12 noon and take out a procession that will culminate at the secretariat,” said RPDA president Rajendra Singh Bhati.
“We regret the inconvenience the public will face during the strike, and we appeal for support from the people so that the government reduces the VAT rates, and people facing price rise get relief,” said Bhati.
RPDA pointed out that while petrol and diesel prices have significantly risen in the past seven years, the margin of the pump owners has not gone up in these years.
English (US) ·