The proposed LPG dealers’ strike which was to start from Monday has been deferred after a meeting between All India LPG Distributors’ Federation and Union Petroleum Minister S Jaipal Reddy ended in favour of the dealers on Sunday.
According to the federation, the petroleum minister promised to fulfil all their demands. The dealers were demanding an increase in revision of commission per cylinder, and a revision of the recent decision by the Central Government on restriction of supply to consumers. This created a five-level pricing system for dealers who found it hard to keep up with.
“A meeting between the petroleum minister and our representatives was fruitful on Sunday evening and he has agreed to fulfill all our demands soon,” said Sathyan N, secretary, All India LPG Distributors Federation.
Sources said the minister suggested to introduce smart card-based system to improve the delivery of LPG cylinders.
This will be coupled with a coupon system which would ensure that the cylinders reach the correct customers. However, this system would take time to be implemented.
Petrol Dealers Set to Stop Buying Stock from Today
Petroleum dealers are set to stop buying stock from Monday for three days, as part of their protest. They are demanding an increase in commission through the implementation of the Apoorva Chandra Committee report. The government order approving the report was passed in January 2011 but the order has not been implemented yet.
This has attracted the ire of petroleum dealers who have decided to stop the purchase of fuel as a mark of protest. The report provides for a 12 paise hike in commission on petrol from the current Rs 1.49 and 5 paise hike on the current commission of 89 paise on diesel.
“If the government does not relent, we will look at an indefinite strike from by October 15. The public will not be inconvenienced for now, as we have ensured that the bunks have adequate stocks,” said Lokesh Krishna, secretary of Bangalore Petroleum Dealers Association.
Fill at Company Bunks
While fuel supply will be affected at private bunks, company bunks will be open throughout the day and supply is expected to be normal at these bunks.