The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Auto LPG dealers in city stop dispensing fuel

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Tuesday, Mar 18, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Auto LPG dealers in city stop dispensing fuel

Staff Reporter

They are protesting against the alleged attacks on their staff by autorickshaw drivers

The problem is likely to aggravate on Tuesday
70,000 autos in the city run on LPG

— Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.

Seeking protection: An auto LPG filling station in Bangalore is deserted after outlets stopped dispensing fuel on Monday.

BANGALORE: Several commuters in Bangalore were left in the lurch on Monday even as thousands of autorickshaws dependent on LPG as fuel were affected after auto LPG outlets in the city stopped dispensing the fuel seeking protection. The problem is likely to aggravate on Tuesday as most of the 70,000-odd autorickshaws that are run on LPG are expected to remain off the road as the LPG dealers have decided not to purchase LPG for vending.

The problem started after the auto LPG dealers, under the aegis of the Bangalore Petroleum Dealers’ Association, launched a “no purchase” campaign on Monday seeking security to their outlets and calibration of LPG dispensing units. The campaign was started in the light of alleged attacks by autorickshaw drivers on those employed by the LPG vending stations. There are about 40 dealers in the city who sell auto LPG.

On Monday, the dealers dispensed with the LPG fuel stocked in their outlets and refused to purchase fresh stock. Drivers made their way to the outlets only to find them not dispensing the fuel. Many drivers were found taking the help of their friends to tow their vehicles in search of outlets dispensing the fuel. R. Chandrashekar had brought his vehicle to an outlet on Raj Bhavan Road from St. John’s Church Road only to be disappointed. “I did not know about the campaign, but will try another outlet in Seshadripuram,” he said.

“We can fill the LPG from a domestic cylinder by paying extra money,” said Someshwara who failed to get LPG for his vehicle. By evening, as a large number of autorickshaws could not get fuel, commuters dependent on this mode of transport had a harrowing time reaching their homes.

Grouse

The LPG dealers have started the campaign after some autorickshaw drivers attacked LPG dispensing outlets alleging cheating while filling gas. “Our employees have been at the receiving end of autorickshaw drivers’ fury,” said president of Bangalore Petroleum Dealers’ Association Bhushan Narang. He said with the fuel being in the form of gas, it was difficult for LPG outlet dealers to convince consumers about the quantity filled in the vehicles.

Mr. Narang said the Government should ensure proper security to the outlets apart from taking action against those creating trouble. He has also asked the Government to take steps for sealing, calibration and checking of LPG dispensing pumps to ensure proper delivery of gas.

No parameters

Meanwhile, Controller of Legal Metrology N. Prakash told The Hindu that the department was not able to take action on the complaints of cheating in the absence of specifications for measuring the volume.

The Union Ministry for Food and Civil Supplies was yet to issue a notification spelling out parameters to ascertain the volume of LPG, which is being used for the past four years.

Meeting fails

Meanwhile, the meeting convened by Transport Commissioner M. Lakshminarayana failed to convince the auto LPG dealers, who stuck to their demands. The meeting was attended by representatives of oil companies, police officials and Government officials. The oil companies maintained that LPG was being dispensed at the outlets in a fair manner and ruled out tampering.

The police officials assured dealers of providing protection.

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