Petrol pumps across Rajasthan remained shut on Sunday as the Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association (RPDA) issued a strike seeking a reduction in taxes along with other demands. The association announced the strike demanding a decrease in VAT rates. The strike started on Sunday at 6 AM and will continue till March 12.
The decision for the strike was taken by the association in a meeting organised on Friday, reported Times of India. The meeting was attended by office-bearers of the body in all the districts and was held virtually. The meeting concluded with a unanimous decision to shut down the fuel stations in protest. The association has been recently asking for a cut in the VAT rates and stopping the ‘forced’ sale of lube oil and premium products at the petrol pumps in the state.
Posts on social media showed petrol pumps deserted across the state. The association has instructed all dealers of petrol and diesel in the state to neither purchase petroleum products nor sell them at any of the gas stations.
Rajendra Singh Bhati, President, RPDA, said, “On Monday, the stirking pump owners will gather at Statue Circle in Jaipur at 12 noon and take out a procession that will culminate at the secretariat. We regret the inconvenience the public will face during the strike, and we appeal for support from the people so that the government reduces VAT rates, and people facing price rise get relief.”
The association also noted that fuel prices have been on the rise in the last seven years, however, the same growth has not been seen in the margin of the petrol pump owners.
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