BANGALORE: LPG tanker operators have vowed to go ahead with the indefinite strike as they are unhappy with the outcome of the talks held in Chennai on Saturday. They asserted that they would not accept anything less than Rs 2.80/km/tonne as transportation charges.
A resolution in connection with this was passed at the emergency meeting of the general council of the Southern Region Bulk LPG Transport Owners Association (SRBLTOA) held here on Monday.
Addressing media persons after the meeting, president of the association, M Ponnambalam declared that the strike would continue till the demand of the operators is accepted. “All the new vehicles (560) must be given work orders. New tenders must be finalised immediately. We will not call off the strike until these two demands are met by the oil marketing companies,” he said. He added that the rate must be `2.90/km/tonne for carrying gas to the hills.
Earlier, speaking at the meeting several members of the association expressed concern over the new tariff offered by three major oil marketing companies. They alleged that the tripartite talks convened by the State Food Commissioner were an eyewash. They appealed to office bearers not to attend any such talks until the companies agree to provide the charges as demanded by the association.
“For the past ten years we are at the receiving end. We have to face a lot hardships in running the business as the costs of tyre, spare parts and crew salary have gone up several fold,” said R Jothibasu. Speaking at the meeting, K Nallathampi indicated that the oil companies have offered up to Rs 2.60/km/tonne through the state government officials. However, no official information was given to them.