At this time a big news is coming from Rajasthan. There may be a shortage of petrol and diesel in the state from June 1. Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association has warned that petrol pump operators across the state will go on an indefinite strike from June 1 if the government fails to meet their demands. Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association has written a letter to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma requesting him to immediately intervene and call a meeting before June 1. Association President Rajendra Singh Bhati alleges that despite sending repeated letters and emails, no meeting has been held at the Chief Secretary level yet. The biggest complaint of the dealers is the interruption in the supply of petrol and diesel, due to which many petrol pumps are being closed daily across the state.
Administrative action against pump operators – Association
The association says petroleum companies have limited fuel supply through verbal instructions and WhatsApp messages. To make the situation worse, administrative action is being taken against pump operators who sell fuel beyond their prescribed limits and their licenses are being suspended. Moreover, despite low demand in the market, dealers are being forced to sell expensive branded fuel. The association has also highlighted the plight of farmers. Ahead of the monsoon and sowing season, farmers have been banned from supplying diesel in drums, which could lead to serious distress in rural areas. Moreover, payments worth lakhs of rupees for fuel loaned during government rallies and Prime Minister’s visits are still pending, putting huge financial pressure on dealers.
What are the main demands of the association?
* VAT (Value Added Tax) on petrol and diesel should be reduced by at least 5%.
* Tax rates should be rationalized and brought at par with the rates of Punjab.
* Interrupted supply of fuel should be rectified immediately.
* Illegal trade of biodiesel and base oil should be banned.
* The outstanding payments of fuel given during previous government visits should be made immediately.
Association president Rajendra Singh Bhati claims that due to high VAT rates, fuel prices in Rajasthan are currently the highest in the country. CNG prices in the state are also much higher than the neighboring states of Haryana and Punjab. If the government does not find a solution soon, then the wheels of Rajasthan may stop from June 1.
