Jharkhand Petroleum Dealers’ Association called for a State-wide strike of petrol pump dealers on Thursday, owing to the decision of Jharkhand Government to increase VAT on petroleum products. Unavailability of fuel for their vehicles bothered the vehicle owners and public transport drivers all day long.
“I have heard about the petrol pump strike and intended to buy petrol from the street-side vendors. But I can’t seem to find one now as my motorcycle fuel tank has run dry. I have still a long way to go and pushing my bike seems to the only option left,” said Anup Sarkar, pushing his bike out of a closed down petrol pump on Kanke Road.
The strike was successful, according to the JPDA functionaries. “Petrol pump owners from even the remote rural areas of the State heeded our call and kept their pumps closed. And none of this was achieved forcefully, unlike the political bandhs,” said JPDA General Secretary Sharad Dudani.
Even though the strike caused problems for commuters all over the city, people seem to be favouring this decision of petrol pump owners. “Petrol and diesel prices are definitely higher than required. This strike is a commendable step as it might compel the Government to take back the increased VAT. We commend this strike despite the inconvenience that comes with it,” said Jaikishan lal, an auto-rickshaw driver.
“We called this strike to bring our four demands to the attention of State Government, increase in VAT is primary among them. Other demands are poor security arrangements at petrol pumps, pending payment on petrol and diesel brought by Government agencies and first point goods taxation to be levied on lubricants. We submitted memorandums regarding these demands to State ministers, MPs, MlAs and Chief Secretary, but in vain,” said Dudani.
A comparative list of petroleum product prices issued by Commercial and Tax Commissioner cum Secretary Nidhi Khare depicted Jharkhand to have the lowest cost of petrol and diesel, compared to its neighbouring States. This list was strongly rebuked by JPDA.
Dudani stated, “According to the data we have, petrol and diesel prices in Jharkhand are Rs0.36 to Rs1.85 higher than those in the bordering States. We have experienced decrease in sales in 773 out of 1120 petrol pumps in the city due to increasing prices. Sales have decreased by 8,000 kiloliters between June 2014 and June 2015.”
“We tried to initiate talks with the State Government but no response came from their side. Now, we have given them a deadline of July 31 to act on our demands. If they remain impassive towards us, we will meet again on August 2 and plan for harsher steps for future,” added Dudani.