Date:17/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/17/stories/2008021759110300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

“Increase petrol and diesel supply”

Staff Reporter

TIRUCHI: Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers’ Association has sought to increase in the supply of petrol and diesel to meet the growing demand.

Addressing presspersons on Saturday, the vice-president of Tiruchi, Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Perambalur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Karaikal Petroleum Dealers’ Association David John said that there was 35 per cent increase in the demand of petroleum and diesel but the supply has met only with 15 per cent of the demand. While Chennai and other major cities were supplied sufficient petroleum, rural areas were affected badly.

Reason for demand, Mr. John said, was the increase in generators and vehicles. The supply to the government petrol companies was much less than private players. The Association predicts severe shortage in a week, if the supply is not increased to meet the demand. The Association has planned for state-wide agitation on February 20 to stress their demands.