The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Auto gas row ends, sale resumes today

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Thursday, Mar 20, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Auto gas row ends, sale resumes today

Staff Reporter

Complaints against seven outlets, says DC

— Photo: K. Murali Kumar

AT THE RECEIVING END: Autorickshaw drivers waiting in a long queue at the BPCL outlet at Vellara Junction on Hosur Road in Bangalore on Wednesday.

BANGALORE: Auto LPG dealers have decided to sell the fuel from Thursday, ending their two-day protest, much to the relief to thousands of autorickshaw drivers.

The dealers, under the aegis of Bangalore Petroleum Dealers’ Association, were carrying out a “no purchase” campaign demanding security for their employees.

The dealers decided to call off their agitation after taking part in a two-hour meeting called by Deputy Commissioner (Bangalore Urban) M.A. Sadiq on Wednesday. Apart from LPG dealers, the meeting was attended by representatives of Food and Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology, Police and Transport departments and oil marketing companies.

A few autorickshaw drivers attended the meeting.

Mr. Sadiq told The Hindu that complaints of tampering were coming from seven outlets. Separate teams comprising officials from Food and Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology, Transport, and Police departments from the respective areas would look into the complaints. A complaint should be filed with the jurisdictional police officer who would call the other members of the team and look into it.

He said the outlet would be sealed till the team completed the inquiry. The teams would take the assistance of oil marketing companies in measuring the volume of gas. Action would be taken against those indulging in tampering.

Mr. Sadiq assured dealers of action by police against those creating trouble at the outlets and provide protection to employees.

Mr. Narang said the officials had agreed to take steps to calibrate and check LPG dispensing pumps and ensure proper delivery of gas.

The dealers were assured of adequate security and action against those creating trouble at the outlets. On Wednesday, the autorickshaw drivers had to stand in long queues to get LPG at company-operated outlets. Around 40 dealer-operated outlets had stopped selling the fuel, while a few company-operated outlets were dispensing it.

A long queue of autorickshaws was seen at a company-operated outlet on Hosur Road. The queue went all along Richmond Road.

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