Delhi petrol pumps on strike today

dc16

- dEsPeraTe cRaNky -
NEW DELHI:

If motorists have not stocked petrol they may have to face trouble today (Monday). All service stations in the capital will remain shut on Mondays starting today, as dealers are protesting against the increase in VAT on diesel from 12.5% to 20%.

Dealers are saying that diesel sales have dipped by more than 40% in the capital because of the increase in VAT rate. On Sunday, huge banners that said "Monday closed" was put up at all outlets in the city.

Delhi government had in April this year increased the VAT on diesel.

"Due to the increase in VAT, diesel has become costlier in the capital. Now the commodity costs Rs 4 more in Delhi as compared to what it costs in Haryana. As a result, motorists are getting their vehicles filled in NCR towns such as Gurgaon and Faridabad," said a dealer. He added that an off-day a week will also help them in cutting costs. Earlier on May 14, petrol pump owners had closed their shutters for 24 hours pressing for a rollback in VAT rates.

Finance minister A K Walia has so far kept his ground despite sustained pressure from pump owners. He has pulled out comparative VAT collection figures of 2009-10 and 2010-11 to drive home the point that government's revenue collections have increased even if sales may be "marginally down in the pumps that are near the borders."

He maintained that as the Union government gradually moves to a uniform tax regime from the next financial year, a lower VAT may cause the government to lose out on Central assistance, something that the city government already in the throes of a deepening financial crunch, cannot afford to risk.

"The uniform flow rate that has been prescribed will have to be followed," the finance minister said.
 

chief

Prime VIP
Petrol pumps go on strike, upset commuters

New Delhi, May 24: Commuters are facing the brunt of a strike called by petrol pump owners in New Delhi to protest the hike in Value Added Tax on diesel from the current 12.5 percent to 20 percent.


It has been reported that petrol pumps would remain closed on every Monday beginning from today (i.e, May 24).


"Monday is the opening day of the week. Everybody rests on Saturdays and Sundays. On Monday, everybody goes to work. We get the maximum rush on Mondays. We as a public are facing a lot of problems," said Rajneesh Mishra, a commuter.


They expressed their anger over the strike.


"How do we go to office? The government has failed everywhere...price rise, petrol pump strikes...what do we do?" said Miyan, a commuter.


A few petrol pumps, however, are open.


Petrol pump owners are pushing for a hike in commission on the sale of petrol and diesel.


They are also demanding uniform pricing of petroleum all over the country and quality checking of equipment at petrol pumps.
 
Top