Delhi Petrol Dealers To Go On Indefinite Strike From June 14

Delhi Petrol Dealers To Go On Indefinite Strike From June 14Today, Delhi Petrol Dealers Association (DPDA) declared to go on an indefinite strike from June 14 if Delhi administration fails to bring equality in VAT rate with the neighboring states.

DPDA president Atul Peshawaria stated, "If the government does not reduce the VAT and bring it to parity with that of Haryana, we will be left with no other option but to close down our petrol pumps and observe a strike."

The increase in value added tax has seen 35 to 95% drop in the sale of diesel since 2008.

There is a difference of around Rs 3.85 in diesel prices in Delhi and Haryana and this is resulting in big losses to the pump owners.

Delhi and NCR Petrol Dealers Association president Ajay Bansal said, ''We get fixed margin out of the total sale and this slump in sale is affecting us badly.''

The petrol dealers are awaiting June 7 meeting of Chief Ministers of Delhi and Haryana that is likely to decide on bringing equivalence in the VAT rates in two states.

''Idea is not to cause inconvenience to the consumers but to tell the government what we are going through,'' he added.

Mentioning that the Centre for Science and Environment reported an increase in sulphur dioxide in Delhi since the VAT rate increased, Mr Peshawaria said, ''People will buy diesel from the place where it is cheaper. They are buying EURO II fuel from other places and polluting Delhi.'' (With Inputs from Agencies)