Date:04/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/04/stories/2008050451310900.htm

National

Petroleum dealers threaten indefinite strike

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Federation of All-India Petroleum Traders (FAIPT) has threatened to go on an indefinite strike from next month and close down all the 37,000 petrol pumps across the country if their demands are not met.

According to FAIPT general secretary Ajay Bansal, the Petroleum Ministry had last year conveyed to the dealers that from April 1, 2008, their proportion of margin and commission would be reviewed positively. It had stated that the current formula of calculating fixed margin and commission would be changed to percentage basis having direct link to the price of fuel fixed by the government.

However, till date, the Ministry had failed to implement it and the matter was taken up with the Ministry officials some time ago. The response of the government was not positive and it was decided that the representatives of the federation would meet in Pune on May 24 to issue a 15-day ultimatum to the government.

Mr. Bansal said the operating cost of running petrol pumps had gone up by 37 per cent in the last one year due to inflation and other factors.

The FAIPT has demanded 5 per cent commission on invoiced value by applying the percentage basis formula, making available market test kits to all dealers, not closing pumps for stock loss as promised by the Ministry and increase in evaporation limits.