The Hindu : New Delhi News : Petrol dealers call off strike

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Petrol dealers call off strike

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, JULY 27. The one-day strike call by the Delhi Petrol Dealers' Association which was to begin on Tuesday midnight to protest against the Delhi Government's proposal to increase sales tax on diesel was called off late tonight following "some positive feelers'' from the Delhi Government.

"We had sent a representation to the Delhi Government regarding our demands. They have indicated they will seriously consider our demands. We hope that something positive will be worked out soon and hence decided to call off the strike for now,'' said the Association's general secretary, Anil Bijlani.

In view of the proposed strike there were long queues of vehicles outside the Capital's petrol pumps on Tuesday evening. 12 per cent at present to 20 per cent -- has decided to keep the petrol pumps open only from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Earlier, accusing the Sheila Dikshit Government of totally ignoring their interests, Mr. Bijlani said the proposal to increase sales tax on diesel from 12 per cent to 20 would not only hit the business of pump owners in the Capital but also prove harmful to the environment. "When cheaper diesel would be available in neighbouring States, why would transporters buy fuel in Delhi? Both Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have pumps lined up on the border. Why would transporters pay more for diesel here it is available at a cheaper rate just a few kilometres away? So the hike will actually bring no monetary benefit to the Capital as has been proved on previous occasions."

Moreover, he added, the diesel available in the neighbouring States is not the high quality ULSD (ultra low sulphur diesel) being sold in Delhi that emits less pollutants. "So the use of plain diesel by vehicles will pollute our environment that has taken years to improve with the introduction of CNG," he cautioned.

According to Mr. Bijlani, the proposed increase in sales tax would make diesel in Delhi much costlier than in the neighbouring States. "At present diesel in Delhi is costlier by 50 paise per litre compared to Haryana. After the proposed hike the difference will go up to Rs.1.70. With this the price of diesel here will be much higher than in UP and Punjab," he added.

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